Object: Dress
Designer:
Rudi Gernreich
(1922 - 1985)
Retailer:
Bonwit Teller
(American)
Manufacturer:
Harmon Knitwear
(American, 1960 - 1976)
Date: 1965-1972
Medium: Black wool knit jersey with pink and green appliquéd circles in same wool jersey
Country: USA
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Object number: 98.114.1
DescriptionChinese inspired long sleeve evening dress in black wool jersey with mock turtleneck and high side seam split; faux cheongsam neckline created with purple and orange wool knit trim; large, Pop Art circles appliquéd overall in day-glo pink and green wool knit jersey
Label Text:Rudi Gernreich has taken the ubiquitous black evening dress and contemporized it with appliquéd, Pop Art-inspired circles of green and hot pink. Gernreich is often credited as the first designer to use such boldly contrasting colors, which were best shown against a simple black background. He also liked to incorporate elements of non-Western clothing in unique and playful ways, such as the faux neckline of this dress, which recalls the Chinese cheongsam, a gender-neutral garment that speaks to the designer's interest in unisex fashion.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions:
- China Chic: East Meets West