Podcast Summary: An Interview with "Gernreich Girl" Barbara Flood (Dressed Classic)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dressed: The History of Fashion
• Host/Author: Dressed Media
• Episode: An Interview with "Gernreich Girl" Barbara Flood (Dressed Classic)
• Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Dressed: The History of Fashion, hosted by April Callahan and Cassidy Zachary, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation with Barbara Flood, a prominent figure in the fashion industry during the 1960s. Barbara's unique experiences as a model, her relationship with the avant-garde designer Rudi Gernreich, and her enduring passion for fashion offer rich insights into a transformative era in fashion history.

Barbara Flood’s Early Life and Introduction to Fashion

Barbara Flood begins by sharing her upbringing in New York City, where her father owned a knitwear company, Barbara Carroll Knits. Surrounded by designers like Ann Fogerty, Barney Cashin, and Liz Claiborne, Barbara developed an early appreciation for fashion. Reflecting on her childhood, she states:

Barbara Flood [04:00]: "I grew up as a kid in fashion. My dad was a really, he was very tiny, but he was a very smooth dresser. And he was just always, his closets were perfect and everything in it."

Her modeling career kicked off at the age of 13 when she participated in a sweater ad, marking her entry into the fashion world.

Modeling Career in the 1960s

Barbara recounts her professional modeling journey, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere of the New York Garment District during the 1960s. She highlights the camaraderie among models and the energetic environment of 7th Avenue:

Barbara Flood [06:30]: "It was a lot of hustle and bustle, I must say. And it was wonderful, especially as compared today, where we're barely in the street. So it was a different world. Completely different world then."

Barbara worked with renowned designers such as Anne Klein, Donna Karan, and notably, Rudi Gernreich. She describes her early days at the Gillis McGill agency, where she was one of the few models under 5’10”, allowing her to specialize in junior lines on 7th Avenue.

Relationship with Rudi Gernreich

A significant portion of the interview delves into Barbara's relationship with Rudi Gernreich, a pioneering designer known for his avant-garde and androgynous designs. Barbara shares how she met Gernreich through a mutual friend and quickly became one of his favored models:

Barbara Flood [16:00]: "He had an extraordinary talent and he was one of my favorite people. But I worked for everybody, so it was yeah, I worked for Anne Klein when Donna Karan was designing for Anne Louis Delorio."

Their professional relationship blossomed into a personal friendship, allowing Barbara to influence Gernreich's designs actively. She praises his openness and innovative spirit:

Barbara Flood [22:10]: "He gave us all the permission to be ourselves. And we had all a very great relationship with him. And he understood because he had started as a dancer. And he just knew the body and he knew how to put clothes on it."

Insights into the 1960s Fashion Industry

Barbara provides a firsthand account of the dynamic and collaborative nature of the 1960s fashion scene. Unlike the competitive environment today, models worked together harmoniously, fostering a supportive community:

Barbara Flood [17:07]: "At that period of time, we didn't have the kind of competition that it's been. It was later on, everybody loved each other. Everybody looked out for each other."

She highlights the creative process involved in fashion shows, where models like herself could contribute ideas to enhance the designs, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity.

Transition to Styling and Entrepreneurship

As Barbara's modeling career progressed, she ventured into styling and eventually opened her own boutique. She describes her boutique as a “secret boutique” operated from her apartment, allowing her to curate and send personalized fashion selections to clients:

Barbara Flood [35:25]: "It's like my workspace. And people call on the phone, and if they want something, I just tell them, or I say, I'm going to send you this, that, and the other thing."

Barbara's boutique not only focuses on vintage clothing but also includes furniture, pottery, and art, reflecting her holistic approach to style and individuality.

Personal Philosophy on Fashion and Individuality

Throughout the interview, Barbara emphasizes the importance of individuality and personal expression in fashion. She advocates for wearing what makes one feel authentic and comfortable, rather than conforming to trends:

Barbara Flood [38:00]: "People should try to find their own individuality. They shouldn't try to copy because it's better to try what you like and see what you like, even if it's wrong."

She underscores the therapeutic and joyful aspects of dressing, linking it to emotional well-being and self-expression.

Legacy and Continued Influence

Barbara reflects on the lasting impact of Rudi Gernreich's designs and his relevance in contemporary fashion:

Barbara Flood [27:06]: "He had that ability to project the future, which was quite extraordinary. I love being. And Stanley loved him too. He was so sweet with us when he took us out to dinner in California and he was so delightful."

Barbara expresses hope that Gernreich's innovative spirit would thrive if he were still active today, highlighting his forward-thinking approach and the timelessness of his designs.

Conclusion

The interview concludes with Barbara sharing her ongoing passion for fashion and her commitment to maintaining her unique style. She reflects on the changes in the fashion industry and the importance of staying true to oneself:

Barbara Flood [40:39]: "Physically and emotionally, it makes you feel better. Because through the period of time, for instance, at the beginning of this pandemic, it was three months and you couldn't get your hair colored."

Barbara Flood's story offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant world of 1960s fashion, the collaborative spirit of the New York Garment District, and the enduring legacy of designers like Rudi Gernreich. Her dedication to individual style and creative expression continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts today.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Barbara Flood [04:00]: "I grew up as a kid in fashion. My dad was a really, he was very tiny, but he was a very smooth dresser."
• Barbara Flood [06:30]: "It was a lot of hustle and bustle... a completely different world then."
• Barbara Flood [16:00]: "He had an extraordinary talent and he was one of my favorite people."
• Barbara Flood [22:10]: "He gave us all the permission to be ourselves."
• Barbara Flood [17:07]: "At that period of time, we didn't have the kind of competition that it's been."
• Barbara Flood [35:25]: "It's like my workspace. And people call on the phone..."
• Barbara Flood [38:00]: "People should try to find their own individuality."
• Barbara Flood [27:06]: "He had that ability to project the future, which was quite extraordinary."
• Barbara Flood [40:39]: "Physically and emotionally, it makes you feel better."

This episode of Dressed: The History of Fashion not only honors Barbara Flood's remarkable journey but also preserves the rich history of a pivotal era in fashion. Her anecdotes and reflections provide valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the evolution of fashion and the individuals who shaped it.