Austrian-born American designer Rudi Gernreich (1922–1985) was one of the most radical figures in 20th-century fashion, celebrated for his avant-garde designs and progressive ideas about the body and personal freedom. Beginning in 1960, the year he established his own company, Gernreich partnered with American manufacturer Harmon Knitwear to produce his ready-to-wear collections, translating his experimental vision into clothing sold at department stores such as Lord & Taylor. His designs rejected traditional structure, linings, and padding in favor of unrestrictive silhouettes, bold colors, and graphic patterns. The Harmon collections featured many of his signatures, from Nehru collars and Op Art motifs to brightly colored wool-jersey minidresses. His longtime muse Peggy Moffitt frequently modeled his creations, famously photographed by her husband, William Claxton. Together, they helped define the daring, modern spirit of 1960s fashion.