Born in Vienna, Austria, Gernreich fled to America in 1938. He attended the Los Angeles City College from 1938 to 1941 and then worked as a dancer and costume designer. In 1948, he became a freelance fashion designer. In the 1950's, Gernreich designed swimwear for the Westwood Knitting Mills. He opened his own company, which became Rudi Gernreich Inc., in 1964. In the 1960's, Gernreich designed sportswear for a predominately youthful market. His most famous contributions included the "topless bathing suit"in 1964, and the "no-bra bra" made of molded nylon cups attached to shoulder straps and a narrow elastic band encircling the rib cage.Brown and black mini-dress. Wool double knit. Mid-1960's.
