Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
For the Love of Rudi, May 13, 2001
I was given this book by my best friend, who thought I would like it. Love it is more like it, this man who I was dying for information on was a genius, artistic, innovative... Truly for those who are fashion mavericks and trend-setters. This book finally brings Rudi to light, by a dear friend of his and is written from an insiders point of view. It also tells the story of an artist trying to create in the commercial world. The topless bathing suit, trompe d'oeil in fashion, ohh and those clever sunglass that are round on one side and square on the other... Not to mention is introduction of PVC and knee socks back in the 60's - all Rudi's. Incredible photography (Peggy Moffat's husband rounded out their collaborative trio as the photographer). This book will inspire as you revel at how Rudi, a master of form and shape, comfort and style, with his deft imagination and sense of style just created movements in fashion that flow through to what you see on the street to the haute couture. He has been underground for so long yet is long overdue for this showing as he has a had a PROFOUND influence on fashion and everyone who sees the book cannot put it down. For a little over $20 it is a steal too. This is a book to cherish and hang out with when you need some inspiration. He is much why the 60's was considered modernist. Incredibly glamourous celeb pics such as the one of Barbara Streisand appear in all her glory as well as pieces on adrongny (wayy ahead of his time) and the rejoicement of one within their own body. Rudi was far far ahead of us all and I believe will become better known as time passes. This is a bittersweet book about Rudi and his muse, Peggy and her husband. Three people with immense imagination that together made it in this world without compromising. Makes a great gift, everyone I have given it to just adores it. Forget all about the vintage designers, he was a driving force in the 60's. He took those terrible frumpy looks and threw them out and looked at women as strong, beautiful creatures as they are and gave them a right to look gorgeous. This book is not about beauty in a conventional sense, it really really sets you free. Afterall, he boldly rejected the mainstream concept of women's old big skirted fashion and started all new styles, ones with his unique perception making stunning and hip fashion accessible to all. Rudi really was a fashion heavy - this remarkable book should not be missed.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great slice of fashion history!, September 29, 1999
By A Customer
Until I read this book, I had no idea how many important contributions Rudi Gernreich made to fashion. He was a maverick in his day. His designs were so advanced, even for the wild-child sixties, that they still seem fresh. In fact, I recognized many current trends in these photos. This is largely a "picture book" with vintage publicity and advertising photos by William Claxton, as taken throughout the sixties. They're mostly modeled by Peggy Moffitt (she was also an innovator in her field, with amazing eye makeup). This book opens with an overview of Gernreich's career, and a really comprehensive essay about his most famous designs (like the topless bathing suit). It's a wonderful read, both entertaining and informative.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
FUTURE SHOCK!, September 29, 2004
At age 17 I wrote to Rudi Gernreich, imploring him to let me work for him & sending him my own futuristic fashion designs. I never heard back, of course; why would an iconoclast need imput from a teenager? This man prefigured so much that happened in later decades that most of what he did still looks cutting edge today. He saw himself as being a few years ahead of his time. More like a few deades. David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust owes more than a bit to Rudi's unisex designs, up to & including the shaved eyebrows. The look was startling & alien in 1973, imagine how it looked in psychedelic era 60s! Peggy Moffit's book is a godsend, & she is a Pop Icon extraordinaire. The future hasn't been nearly as groovy as Gernreich envisioned, but this book offers a glimpse of what it might have been. He was a true visionary.
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