Peggy Moffitt, model and actress known for her distinctive and avant-garde style, passed away on August 10 in Beverly Hills. She was 86.
The model died of complications from dementia.
Peggy Moffitt, born on May 14, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, was an American model and actress. She was an icon of the 1960s fashion scene. Her work, particularly in collaboration with fashion designer Rudi Gernreich and her husband, photographer William Claxton, revolutionized the fashion industry and left a mark on the era’s aesthetic.
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Moffitt’s career in fashion skyrocketed when she met Gernreich in the early 1960s. Gernreich, known for his innovative and provocative designs, found Moffitt to be the perfect muse to embody his vision. Her striking features, characterized by heavy eye makeup and a geometric hairstyle set her apart from other models of the time. Vidal Sassoon cut her hair and she kept this look into her later years. This unique look, mixed with Gernreich’s bold designs, helped to define the mod style that became the style of the 1960s.
One of the most famous moments in Moffitt’s career came in 1964 when she modeled Gernreich’s monokini, a topless swimsuit that challenged the norms of decency. The monokini, featuring a high-waisted bottom and two thin straps that gave a full view of her breasts. This was quite new and controversial. Moffitt’s photos in the monokini caused a sensation and brought international attention.
Sad to hear the passing of icon Peggy Moffitt. Did you know she crafted her own signature makeup look? Like many women who were taking control of their own self expression the 60s, she created a look that separated herself from others and explored makeup as an art.1937 –2024 pic.twitter.com/EiwPn3knVN
— La femme merveilleuse invisible (@larwoolf) August 14, 2024
She became the face of Gernreich’s brand. Her work helped to popularize minimalist, unisex, and androgynous clothing styles. This contributed to the cultural shifts of the 1960s. Moffitt’s modeling was about a new way of thinking about identity, gender, and self-expression.
Aside from her modeling, Moffitt appeared in several films, including “Blow-Up” (1966), directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. Although her acting career was not as big as her modeling, her screen appearances helped to make her a big part of the 1960s cultural revolution.
Moffitt was married to William Claxton, a famous photographer, until he passed away in 2008. She leaves behind one son.
