Rudi Gernreich:
Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion

September 15-November 11, 2001

ICA was the only museum in the United States to present a major exhibition of the fashions of Rudi Gernreich, one of the most influential designers of the twentieth century.

The Austrian-born designer moved from Vienna to Los Angeles, California in 1938 and lived in the United States until his death in 1985. Rudi Gernreich: Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion was a survey tracing his profound cultural impact through such prophetic creations as the "monokini" topless swimsuit, the transparent "no-bra bra," and androgynous separates and suits that blurred traditional boundaries between the feminine and masculine.

While such work presaged styles universally accepted today, Gernreich's fashions provoked storms of controversy and media coverage when introduced in the '60s and '70s. The designer is credited with liberating women from clothes that constrained the body, and with authoring the first unisex looks, but his profile as agent provocateur has often threatened to overshadow the artistry, intellectual potency and sheer beauty of the work. Rudi Gernreich: Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion revisited the designer's legacy and concentrated on both his art and his vision. The exhibition, including more than 125 pieces, ranging from swimsuits to the designer's wacky "total look" day dresses, also incorporated vintage film footage, slide projections, photographs, and custom-designed wallpaper made from press clippings and display advertisements, all establishing a historical and social context for the phenomenon, Rudi Gernreich.

installation views > click to enlarge




Rudi Gernreich: "Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion"
Installation view
Photo: Aaron Igler


Rudi Gernreich: "Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion"
Installation view
Photo: Aaron Igler


Rudi Gernreich: "Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion"
Installation view
Photo: Aaron Igler


Rudi Gernreich: "Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion"
Installation view
Photo: Aaron Igler


Rudi Gernreich: "Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion"
Installation view
Photo: Aaron Igler


Rudi Gernreich: "Fashion Will Go Out of Fashion"
Installation view
Photo: Aaron Igler

The exhibition was produced by steirischer herbst and Neue Galerie am Landesmuseum Joanneum, Graz. Curated by Brigitte Felderer, the exhibition design was created by Coop Himmelb(l)au and the virtual catwalk by Daniel Egg.

ICA is grateful for the generous support of The Ethel & Jack Sandman Charitable Trust as Primary Sponsor of Rudi Gernreich: Fashion Will Go Out Of Fashion.

Funding for the exhibition has also been contributed by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, Jerry and Lois Magnin, Dennis and Jill Roach, Dr. and Mrs. Karl Rugart, Jr., I.J. Feldman Foundation, The Roy and Niuta Titus Foundation, Inc., and the Gernreich Gala Patrons. Additional support has been provided by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, The Dietrich Foundation Inc., Sansom Common, Sheraton University City, the Overseers Board for the Institute of Contemporary Art, friends and members of the ICA and the University of Pennsylvania. In-kind support was provided by John Cale, Jacques Schläppi -- Schläppi Produktions, Chroma Copy, Saks Fifth Avenue, Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz, Amtrak and Four Seasons Hotel. (Information complete as of June 20, 2001)

Work has been loaned by Helen W. Drutt English, Philadelphia, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Sandy Schreier. Mannequins were on loan from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Ralph Pucci -- Pucci Mannequin International.


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