Mention fashion and the names of Mary Quant and Rudi Gemreich immediately (and we might also add, disgustingly) come to mind. Quant and Gemreich are said to be the top designers of the contemporary fashion scene.
England's Mary Quant is the fashion designer made famous by her miniskirt creation (the above the knee look) and her outspoken views on promiscuity. Miss Quant allegedly is all for sensuality and sexual freedom. The J. C. Penney Company, Inc. has recently capitalized upon Miss Quant's popularity by featuring her latest styles as a special added attraction for the younger set.
Rudi Gernreich, on the other hand, is equally known with fashion circles. He's the designer of the topless bathing suit, the No-bra bra, and the "Nude Look." TIME MAGAZINE of December 1, 1967 had Gernreich as its cover man and linked the designer directly with the outlandish and denuded fashions that are in vogue.
But not all fashion designers are in sympathy with the Quant-Gernreich styles. According to the Indianapolis Star, November 9, 1969, Don Loper, another prominent fashion designer, argues against the bizarre and nude creations. Mr. Loper contends that miniskirts and other immodest and uncouth apparel have no place in true fashion whatsoever. Said the Star in an article by Patricia McCormak:
"DESIGNER DECRIES MINISKIRT, UNISEX. New York (UPI) --Designer Don Loper describes contemporary fashion as pumpkin work -- "365 days a year of the Halloween look."
'I'm convinced that all the mirrors in America are broken,' he said in an interview, having in mind mainly the way the miniskirt looks, fore and aft.
Loper of Beverly Hills, Calif., heads a $25 million-a-year designing empire. Women on all continents wear his creations, none of which ever featured or ever will feature a hemline above the knees. Dresses with the Loper label start at $895.
'I KNOW many women and girls with perfectly beautiful legs who wouldn't be caught dead in a mini,' he said.
He also pooh-poohed the peacock revolution in men's clothing and the unisex look--boy dressing like girls and the reverse.
Loper's success with beautiful conservative clothes during a period that spans decades is testimony to the fact that good taste hasn't died - though some of the fashion trends might give you that idea on .occasion." (Section V, p. 13)
Our conclusion then is twofold: (1) Miniskirts and other immodest apparel are neither stylish nor fashionable, and (2) Women who dress according to the dictates of I Tim. 2: 9 are found, not only in favour with God but also with men of discerning judgment.
TRUTH MAGAZINE XIV; 28, pp. 11-12
May 28, 1970
