MOCA’s ‘The Total Look’ exhibit opens to a stylish crowd

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This last weekend may have been buzzing with all things Oscar, but Saturday night belonged to Peggy Moffitt, who was feted by a crowd of art and fashion patrons for the newly opened exhibit “The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton,” which opened Sunday at the MOCA Pacific Design Center.

Guests got a first look at the MAC Cosmetics-sponsored exhibit, which showcases a selection of Moffitt’s extensive collection of Gernreich’s creations as well as films and photographs taken by Claxton of Moffitt wearing the clothes.

“We pulled from the over 400 samples [of Gernreich pieces] Peggy has.” Said MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch, who was introduced to Moffitt by the exhibit’s curator, Cameron Silver. “Seeing the fashion is as good as seeing a great painting or sculpture.”

Attendees certainly seemed inspired by Moffitt’s trademark mod-style eye makeup and Gernreich’s graphic, body-conscious pieces, opting to emulate the look that evening. Several women wore a distinct black cat-eye on their lids, and a few donned Holly Golightly-style dresses to get into the ‘60s spirit. The evening also drew a handful of notable names, including Mila Kunis, Michael and Eva Chow, China Chow, Wolfgang and Gelila Puck, designer Trina Turk, Silver and Moffitt, as well as legendary hairstylist Vidal Sassoon, who sat by Moffitt’s side at dinner and was the first to rise during a standing ovation for the still-striking 75-year-old former model.

For John Demsey, chief executive of MAC Cosmetics, the evening and exhibition brought up a little family history. “My grandfather owned the company that supplied yarn to Rudy Gernreich back when he was designing,” Demsey said.

Impressive what Gernreich, who was based and designed in L.A, did with that yarn until his death in 1985, working it into ahead-of-its-time fashion that still resonates with fans today.

“The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton” runs through May 20, 2012 at the MOCA Pacific Design Center

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Top photo: Cameron Silver, left, John Demsey, Jeffrey Deitch and Peggy Moffitt at the opening of ‘The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton.’ Credit: David X. Prutting / Billy Farrell Agency

Right photo: Vidal Sassoon and Peggy Moffitt. Credit: David X. Prutting / Billy Farrell Agency