Peggy Moffitt, the iconic 1960s model known for her distinctive jet-black bob and avant-garde style, passed away on August 10, 2024, at her Beverly Hills residence. She was 86 years old. Her son, Christopher Claxton, attributed her death to complications from dementia.
Born on October 2, 1937, Moffitt grew up near Hollywood and brought a unique performative approach to modeling. She offered an expressive alternative to the conventional tall, blonde models of her time. Moffitt's signature look, featuring a "five point" haircut popularized by Vidal Sassoon, thick eyeliner, and false eyelashes, became synonymous with 1960s fashion.
Moffitt's collaboration with designer Rudi Gernreich propelled her to international fame. In 1964, she modeled Gernreich's controversial topless swimsuit, known as the monokini. The swimwear, priced at $24 (equivalent to about $240 today), sparked global debate and was banned in several countries.
Moffitt's career highlights included appearing in Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 film "Blow-Up" and gracing the cover of Time magazine in 1967. She also contributed to the creation of "Basic Black" (1967), often considered the first fashion film.
Throughout her career, Moffitt worked closely with her husband, photographer William Claxton. Their partnership allowed her to explore her artistic vision more freely. Moffitt's approach to modeling was unique; she would adapt her posture and mannerisms to suit each outfit, treating each photoshoot as a performance.
"I'd walk knock-kneed and pigeon-toed if the dress demanded it. I'd look for the inner life of the dress, and when I did a whole collection, I'd figure out how to play each."
After stepping away from fashion in the early 1970s, Moffitt dedicated herself to preserving Gernreich's legacy. She helped organize a retrospective of his work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles in 2012.
Moffitt's impact on fashion extended beyond her modeling career. She challenged conventional beauty standards and contributed to the women's liberation movement through her work. Her collaboration with Gernreich on designs like the "no-bra bra" further pushed boundaries in fashion and society.
Despite her significant contributions to fashion history, Moffitt often expressed fatigue at discussing the famous topless swimsuit photo. In a 2012 interview, she remarked on the disproportionate attention given to that single moment in her career.
Peggy Moffitt's legacy in the fashion world remains influential, having helped shape the aesthetic of an era and paving the way for more diverse and expressive approaches to modeling and fashion.