‘Clothes should be functional’

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33966, 6 October 1975, Page 16

‘Clothes should be functional’

(From

WELLINGTON.

Most people know Rudi Gernreich as the man who designed the topless swimsuit for women, way back in 1964. He is still sending out shock waves with his latest in unisex swimwear — the thong — which he brought to Wellington at the week-] end. The thong is a one-piece j suit, the pieces strategically placed and joined by straps. Already it is selling in the United States, Gernreich says, and he is mildly surprised that anyone could consider it unacceptable to New Zealanders. Rudi Gernreich is in New Zealand to judge the annual Benson and Hedges Fashion Design awards, which will be presented in Wellington this evening. The collection will i then be shown in Nelson.; Christchurch, Dunedin, and; Invercargill, before touring l the North Island. This most influential of

LEONE STEWART)

I American sportswear designers is resigned to being [known as the topless swimJsuit man. “That will be forjever,” he smiles. Gernreich [protests that he is not a sensation seeker—he simply [designs the sort of clothes in which he believes.

Body-conscious clothes, he calls ’ them. Sexist, some women’s groups have labelled them. Sexy they certainly I are, judging by the small coli lection of slinky dresses and body stockings he has bought [with him to New Zealand. [Made in a revolutionary stretch Lycra fibre they are moulded to fit like a second skin. N.o wonder he was foremost in making the miniskirt acceptable to Americans.

Rudi Gemreich’s designs reflect his philosophy of fashion. Yesterday he talked ab.out that philosophy, and his very personal view of fashion, during an exclusive interview in Wellington. I Clothes, he believes, should [be, first of all, functional. He is firmly in favour of the in- ] creasing classlessness of fashion. Always his designs have been mass produced, and he cannot understand designers who are contemptuous of mass appeal.

The more he sees his designs worn the better he likes it. These days he knows they are worn, even if he can not always see them. Gernreich designed the “no-bra” of simple construction, which has revolutionised lingerie design and manufacture.

If a woman’s shape can now be her own, no longer moulded into a manufacturer’s concept of proper shape, she has Rudi Gemreich to thank. And in spite of those bra-burning stories beloved pf the media, most women do still wear a bra.