William Claxton and Michael ThompsonIn 1964, 60s designer Rudi Gernreich, debuted his “monokini,” or topless bathing suit, which consisted of a black wool knit suit with suspenders that exposed the breasts. Gernreich’s revealing suit caused a sensation, immortalized by William Claxton’s photograph of Peggy Moffitt modeling the risky look, and Gernreich reportedly sold 3,000 monokinis by the end of the season. For Allure magazine’s July 2009 issue, photographer Michael Thompson restaged the famous photo with Fergie posed as Moffitt in a similar topless suit designed by Yigal Azrouël.


Peggy Moffitt modeling Rudi Gernreich’s monokini photographed by William Claxton, 1964.

Peggy Moffitt modeling Rudi Gernreich’s monokini photographed by William Claxton, 1964

Fergie in Yigal Azrouël bathing suit photographed by Michael Thompson, Allure July 2009

Fergie in Yigal Azrouël bathing suit photographed by Michael Thompson, Allure July 2009

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