unlabelled, comprising: a printed cowhide single breasted coat with ties to fasten; a matching mini-skirt with elasticated waist, bust 91cm 36in, waist approx 71cm 28in; a pair of printed hide pumps; a printed jersey dress; a 'Yashmak' printed lycra hood; a single mitt; two pairs of tights; a bra and pair of underwear, with Gernreich Lingerie labels, bust 81cm, 32in (11)
Literature: 'The Rudi Gernreich Book' Peggy Moffitt & William Claxton p121, 122, Peggy wrote
'stills from the making of the short film BASIC BLACK, which demonstrated Rudi's 'Total Look'. The 'animals' took off stencilled calfskin coats and suits to reveal matching dresses - and then tights, underpants and bras in Lycra (the hats were also Lycra) The clothing in the film won Rudi his second Coty Award and the film itself won many awards,'
Exhibited:
‘The Total Look - The Creative Collaboration between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton’ - Museum of Contemporary Arts, Los Angeles, Feb 26 - May 27, 2012, Scad Museum of Art, June 22 - Oct. 7, 2012; Cincinnati Arts Museum, Feb 28 - May 24, 2015,
‘Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich’ Phoenix Art Museum, April 7-September 26, 2021
See The Metropolitan Museum collection for a similar ensemble, accession no 1986.517.19a–c
A recording of 'BASIC BLACK' can be viewed here.
1960s