Peggy Moffitt, Famous for Topless Bathing Suit Photo and Modeling Career, Passes Away at 86

On Saturday, Peggy Moffitt, the iconic 1960s model and actress renowned for her role in defining the mod fashion era, passed away in Beverly Hills at the age of 86. According to her son, Christopher Claxton, the cause of death was complications related to dementia.

Moffitt gained fame for modeling Rudi Gernreich’s groundbreaking topless bathing suit, a design that stirred controversy and became a symbol of the era’s bold fashion statements. The famous 1964 photograph, taken by her husband, renowned photographer William Claxton, showcased the daring design held up by thin straps with no top section.

Despite being partially covered by her arms, the photo was deemed too provocative and banned in some countries. Moffitt, who was working at a trendy Beverly Hills boutique when approached by Gernreich, initially vowed never to wear the suit in public, viewing it as a political statement rather than a fashion choice.

Raised in Los Angeles, Moffitt pursued acting and trained under Sydney Pollack at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Her film debut was an uncredited role in “You’re Never Too Young,” followed by a contract with Paramount Pictures that led to appearances in “Senior Prom” and “Girls Town.”

She also had important roles in Michelangelo Antonioni’s “Blow-Up,” Franco Rossi’s cult classic “Smog,” and the French satire “Who Are You, Polly Magoo?” as well as an episode of “Batman.”

Despite not fitting the conventional high fashion model mold, Moffitt’s striking look and avant-garde hairstyles, including a geometric bob by Vidal Sassoon on the cover of Time magazine, cemented her influence on 1960s fashion. Moffitt married William Claxton in 1959, and he passed away in 2008. She is survived by her son.