Peggy Moffitt (born in California in 1939), the model who, in the 1960s, became a symbol of the decade’s freedom and experimentation with her signature look and her collaborations with the avant-garde designer Rudi Gernreich, has died on Saturday in Beverly Hills at age 86 after a long illness. The news was confirmed by Moffitt’s son, Christopher Claxton, to WWD on Tuesday morning.
Her work with Gernreich, and entrance into the 1960s fashion scene came along in 1958 when she began a romantic affair with photographer William Claxton. Claxton had been involved with Gernreich since 1956, photographing his designs. By 1962 (two years after Moffitt and Claxton had wed), Peggy began work as a model for Gernreich.
As she began modeling for Gernreich, her signature image began to evolve. She wore false eyelashes and heavy eye makeup, drawing on not only current trends but Japanese Kabuki theater. Her hairstyle, a modified bowl cut became known as the “five point.”
The trio remained under the radar until 1964, when Gernreich designed his notorious topless bathing suit, dubbed the “monokini.” The bold design catapulted both Gernreich and Moffitt to stardom, as Moffitt was one of the few models bold enough at the time to model it. The two soon became more than just designer and model. Moffitt became a muse to Gernreich, and later on, a collaborator as well.
Though her film career was no more, a film entitled Who Are You, Polly Magoo? was released in which she appeared.
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