Iconic Images of Peggy Moffitt in Rudi Gernreich Designs, Captured by William Claxton (PHOTOS)

Peggy Moffitt was the definitive mod model, with a short mass of brunette hair carefully coiffed into a slick bowl cut and huge kohl-trimmed eyelids gazing out from beneath the fringe. Over the course of the past 50 years, photos of Peggy Moffitt have proven to be more than just vintage modeling shots; they are iconic images of an era that only get better with age. The model's striking looks aside, the success of these pictures came from working with designer Rudi Gernreich and Moffitt's husband, photographer William Claxton. Gernreich, Claxton, and Moffitt came together to create a series of stunning portraits that not only captured the height of fashion, but also an unforgettable period in American history.

In Los Angeles, the Museum of Contemporary Art presents The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton, a free exhibition that showcases some of the best images from the eponymous designer, model, and photographer. But you don't have to live in LA to see the pictures; we've got a few right here, with more over on Pop Curious.

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Comments

[Bluesky555]

09:30 AM on 03/05/2012

I think she looks beautiful and trendy (for the 60's), but if these were today's photo shoot, she would probably be unfairly criticized for her 'soft, undefined abdomen' and photo shopped into skeletal proportions. The current fashion industry really needs to get a grip on reality and stop trying to sell us unhealthy and unattractive thinness.

[DomainDiva]

05:55 PM on 03/04/2012

I love #5 and 7, I was young but I remember her very very well and always thought she was just so gorgeous and perfect.

[Steamboater]

04:56 AM on 03/03/2012

You just knew who Peggy Moffit was. She stood out from all the rest of them and not just in fashion. I was at party jewelry designer Kenneth Lane took me to; we were dating at the time. I think it was at Maxime de la Falaise’s apartment (de la Falaise had been a model and style icon and at the time I believe food editor at Vogue Magazine).  Gernreich was there too. I was very shy at the time and just sat there while Ken made his rounds and was very anxious about the whole thing. I didn't know anyone but Ken. Then a woman I instantly recognized as a model (heavy black eye make-up with a very white face)  came over to me, smiled and introduced herself and asked me if I was Kenneth's friend and we began talking. She knew I was uncomfortable and went out of her way to make me feel comfortable. I'll never forget it. She had the most mellifluous voice too, velvety as if sweet breath had a voice. Then she told me her husband should take photos of me and gave me the phone number. I never called and did the same with photographer  Francesco Scavulo when he invited me up to his apartment to take my photo. Peggy was a sweet, bright and very nice woman. I wonder f she's still alive. I hope so.

[yukti]

10:29 PM on 03/01/2012

these are awesome photoshots!

[Steamboater]

05:16 AM on 03/03/2012

Yes, Gernreich designed a very modern (even for today) clean and simple look.