HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY RUDI GERNREICH

August 8th Would Have Been Rudi Gernreich’s 100th Birthday. 

While most remember him as an avant-garde designer who gave us the Monokini or as a committed LGBTQ+ activist, I remember Rudi as my dear friend and mentor.

I was 11 years old when I first met Rudi Genreich. Like my father, he had fled Europe to escape Nazi persecution. Rudi’s experiences made him keenly aware of others who might be discriminated against.

A childhood illness had taken away my hearing, but, like my parents, Rudi never saw my deafness as an obstacle to pursuing my dreams. As he wisely said, “You are what you decide you want to be.” 

When I shared my desire to one day be a fashion designer, Rudi took me under his wing. He taught me about fabric, form, and color. He encouraged me to always be true to myself and my artistic point of view. 

Rudi Inspired Me To Be Fearless.

One of my most cherished memories of Rudi was collaborating with him on my prom dress. I kept deferring to his vision but he told me that I should  design a Mona gown. “Be Mona!” (I won best dressed!)

My friend Rudi lived a richly creative and socially engaged life—his core belief that ‘the bottom line is always human freedom.’ To celebrate his birthday and honor his legacy, I’ve created a commemorative scarf benefitting the ACLU Southern California.

PLEASE JOIN US TO CELEBRATE RUDI’S 100TH BIRTHDAY!

Date: August 22

Reception: 6–8 PM

Location: Gemini G.E.L.
8365 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood

To honor her dear friend’s legacy,
Mona will unveil her commemorative silk scarf. 
Proceeds benefit the ACLU Southern California.