Topless swimsuit designed by Rudi Gernreich

Rudi Gernreich (1922-1985) was an innovative designer whose futuristic creations combined fashion elitism with mass-market style. In 1964 he created the world's first topless swimsuit, known in Europe as the monokini, as a social statement about freedom.

Diana Vreeland, editor of American Vogue magazine convinced Gernreich to produce the suit commercially. Of the 3,000 sold few were ever worn in public. Denounced by the Vatican, this bold design ignited worldwide debate over women appearing topless while swimming or sunbathing - something that was not accepted until the 1970s.

Rudi Gernreich (1922-1985) was an innovative designer whose futuristic creations combined fashion elitism with mass-market style. In 1964 he created the world's first topless swimsuit, known in Europe as the monokini, as a social statement about freedom.

Diana Vreeland, editor of American Vogue magazine convinced Gernreich to produce the suit commercially. Of the 3,000 sold few were ever worn in public. Denounced by the Vatican, this bold design ignited worldwide debate over women appearing topless while swimming or sunbathing - something that was not accepted until the 1970s.