Evening dress, 1972. Rudi Gernreich (Austrian-born American, 1922-1985). Wool knit, and silk chiffon. United States. Gift of Mrs. Barbara Robinson Ralph. 1989.842.2
Evening dress; of black wool jersey knit with sheer black silk chiffon insets: high neckline; long fitted sleeves; fitted bodice; deep V inset of black silk chiffon down center front from the neckline to just above the navel; A-line ankle length skirt; large inverted V shaped inset of sheer black chiffon that begins just below center front crotch and extends down to the hem; center back zipper.
Rudi Gernreich was one of the most innovative fashion designers of the 1960s and 1970s who specialized in creating physically liberating designs. This alluring and subversive design is intended to be worn without a bra.