Dress
Designer
Rudi Gernreich
(1922 - 1985)
Fall 1967
Wool
Gift of Gabriele Knecht
Object number75.112.5
This ensemble explores the inherent contradiction between school-age innocence and the sexual precocity of the “Lolita.” Gernreich’s fetishized “schoolgirl” was shocking, even daring, and the 1960s miniskirt was a symbol of the sexual revolution. As Rebecca Arnold wrote: “Eroticism became a playful way of flaunting new moral codes that mocked the hypocrisy of the establishment.”
DescriptionMini dress in black and white gingham check wool double knit; wide Peter Pan collar in white double knit has red tailored bow at center front; 5.5 cm Norfolk pleat from shoulder front and back to hem has 5.5 cm self belt running under pleats at low waistline snap closed at left side; zipper closing at center back. Shorts in black and white gingham check wool double knit with elasticized waistline. Pair of knee length cut and sewn wool check socks with 11 cm turn back cuffs.Exhibitions