Designed by

Scott, L'Wren, American, 1964 - 2014

Worn by

Winfrey, Oprah, American, born 1954

Subject of

Harpo, Inc., American, founded 1986

Medium

a: silk twill, synthetic fiber, and metal fasteners;

b: silk chiffon, silk twill, and metal fasteners

Dimensions

H x W x D ((ab) on form): 43 1/2 × 26 × 14 in. (110.5 × 66 × 35.6 cm)

H x W ((b) flat): 29 × 41 1/4 in. (73.7 × 104.8 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

2011

Description

This peach dress (a) and pleated chiffon belt (b) were designed by L'Wren Scott and worn by Oprah Winfrey during the series finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show in May 2011. The dress is made from a peach twill silk and has a fitted bodice that ends at the natural waist. A band of self-fabric piping trims the scoop neckline. The sleeves are 3/4 length and straight cut. A band of self-fabric decorative piping is sewn near the hem of the sleeves. The pencil skirt falls to the mid-calf and has a 5 1/2-inch slit at the center back. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper painted peach to match the fabric, which extends from the neckline to the lower back. One (1) metal hook-and-eye is sewn above the zipper. The interior bodice and skirt of the dress are lined with a cream mesh synthetic fabric, while the sleeves are not lined. A length of peach thread is sewn at each interior top shoulder that can be closed with one (1) small metal snap each. The hem of the skirt is turned to the interior and edged with peach lace on the seam. The hem of the skirt lining is edged in cream lace. A white rectangular fabric label with plum embroidery reading "L'Wren Scott" is sewn at the interior proper left back side below the neckline.

This pleated chiffon belt accompanies the peach dress (a). The chiffon fabric is dyed in an ombre ranging from peach to mauve. The waistband of the belt is faced in the chiffon with only the peach to pale pink ombre. It closes at the proper right front side with three (3) flat metal hook-and-eyes and one (1) metal snap. The closure is behind a stiff rectangular material covered in the peach chiffon. Extending below the closure are three tiered flounces of the pleated chiffon featuring the full range of ombre colors. The interior of the waistband is lined in the same peach fabric used for the dress (a). Four (4) pieces of vertically-oriented boning are sewn inside the lining at intervals around the waistband. A white rectangular fabric label with plum embroidery reading "L'Wren Scott" is sewn at the interior proper left side.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Communication

Costume

Entertainers

Fashion

Fashion design

Mass media

Television

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Oprah Winfrey

Object number

2016.7.2ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Céline, French, founded 1945

Worn by

Winfrey, Oprah, American, born 1954

Subject of

Harpo, Inc., American, founded 1986

Medium

.1: wool and nylon blend cloth with plastic buttons;

.2: wool and nylon blend cloth with metal fasteners

Dimensions

H x W x D ((.1-.2) on form): 39 1/4 × 23 × 11 1/2 in. (99.7 × 58.4 × 29.2 cm)

H x W x D ((.1) on form): 22 1/2 × 23 × 11 1/2 in. (57.2 × 58.4 × 29.2 cm)

H x W x D ((.2) on form): 24 3/4 × 14 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (62.9 × 36.8 × 26.7 cm)

Type

jackets

skirts

Place used

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

2004

Description

This red suit, consisting of a jacket (.1) and skirt (.2), was designed by Céline and worn by Oprah Winfrey on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show that aired in September 2004. The suit is made from a red wool and nylon blend boucle fabric. The fitted jacket has a shawl collar with an open neckline and closes proper right side over left side at the center front with two (2) large round brown tortoise-shell plastic buttons with the text "CELINE" etched on them and two (2) smaller buttons of the same design. The two (2) smaller buttons cannot be seen from the facing side. Two (2) additional decorative large round buttons of the same design are sewn on the proper right side corresponding to the placement of the functioning buttons on the proper left side. The 3/4-length sleeves are cut straight and do not have cuffs. The back of the jacket has seaming and pleating for a form-fitting silhouette, though the waistband around the front and back has a slight flare. The interior of the jacket is not lined. There are two (2) red transparent plastic buttons on the interior proper left front side that are backing the large tortoiseshell buttons on the facing side for stabilization. The large buttons on the proper right side are stabilized by the smaller tortoiseshell buttons. Three (3) labels are sewn at the interior center back neck. The top label is white fabric with gray embroidered text reading "FINITION MAIN." The middle label is sewn to the bottom edge of the top label and is white fabric with gray embroidered text reading "CELINE". The bottom label is sewn to the bottom edge of the middle label and is white paper with black preprinted text and handwritten black ink text with style, size, fiber content, and care information.

The pencil skirt (.2) falls just below the knee and has an 8-inch slit at the center back. The skirt closes at the center back waist with one (1) metal hook-and-eye and a red metal invisible zipper. The skirt is not lined. There are three (3) labels sewn at the interior back to the proper left of the zipper. The top label is white fabric with gray embroidered text reading "CELINE". The next label has sizing information. Sewn to the bottom of the top label and behind the size label is a white paper label with black preprinted text and handwritten black ink text with style, size, fiber content, and care information.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Communication

Costume

Entertainers

Fashion

Fashion design

Mass media

Television

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Oprah Winfrey

Object number

2016.7.3.1-2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Produced by

Marvel Worldwide, Inc., American, founded 1939

Created by

Park, Andy, American, born 1975

Designed by

Makovsky, Judianna, American, born 1967

Medium

Skin suit, gloves, and boots: synthetic fiber, Velcro (TM), and metal;

Muscle Suit: spandex, Lycra, polyester, and latex;

Helmet: urethane elastomer, plastic, and magnets

Dimensions

H x W (Full Costume Measurements): 75 × 23 in. (190.5 × 58.4 cm)

Type

costume

helmets

gloves

boots

bodysuits

Place made

United States, North and Central America

Date

2016

Caption

This version of Black Panther's suit was first conceptualized by Andy Park and designed by Judianna Makovsky for Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther character in the 2016 Marvel film Captain America: Civil War. Boseman donned this costume again in the first few scenes of the character's title film, Black Panther. Later in the film, Boseman's character, T'Challa, gains an upgraded panther suit courtesy of his sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright. Like the new costume designed by Ruth E. Carter, this Black Panther suit features a triangle motif, which Carter calls "the sacred geometry of Africa."

Description

Costume for the character Black Panther worn by Chadwick Boseman in the Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther movies. The costume includes five (5) parts- suit (.1abc), helmet (.2), neck covering (.3), two gloves (.4ab), and two boots (.5ab). The costume is black and dark grey, with silver markings and geometric designs imprinted in dot, triangle, and diamond motifs throughout. It is mounted on a form and stand.

.1: The body suit consists of a sleeveless farmer john style jumpsuit, a sleeved shirt piece that fits under the jumpsuit and attaches with Velcro, and a muscle under suit. The jumpsuit is black with a textured, cross-hatched design, divided into seamed sections. Around the neckline is a silver stylized panther claw necklace with eleven claws, the points facing downwards. Each of the six claws has an indented geometric design with a raised, thin line going down the center of each claw. At the back of the necklace is a silver downward facing triangle. Underneath the necklace is a dark grey, triangular piece of material with an indented diamond and triangle geometric motif at the front and at the back, the same material cut in eight diamond pieces arranged in two vertical lines down the shoulder blades. The imprinted dark grey material is also applied in bands forming a “V” pattern down the chest and back, wrapping around the hips, and forming an inverted “V” pattern down the legs and arms, and a diamond pattern at the shoulders. There are small silver pieces set around the hips.

.2: The helmet is black and in the form of a stylized panther head with pointed ears at the top, silver markings and bands of geometric designs in diamonds, triangles, and dots. It is constructed in a single piece, with magnets used to hold the sides in place.

A vertical silver line runs down the center of the top of the helmet to the forehead. Two sets of silver lines run from the back of the head to the bridge of the nose, and out above the eyes with another silver line running from the outside corner of each eye, across the nose. The eyes are silver, almond-shaped, and have a metal mesh-like appearance. There is an intricate and symmetrical diamond design at the center of the forehead and along the silver markings, which continues down the bridge of the nose. In between the two sets of silver lines is a repeating pattern of alternating triangles. Another set of silver lines run from around the ears, across the cheekbones, and down at the sides of the mouth and chin. A vertical band of dots runs from the tip of the nose to the bottom of the chin, with lines of dots forming an alternating triangle patter on either side of the chin.

At the top, the ears are outlined in silver and feature textured lines in triangle patterns in the front and outside, with a diamond design on the ridge and a smooth back interior. Under the ears and down to the temples are imprinted lines and dots forming an alternating triangle pattern. Every other alternating line has small square shaped cut outs in a repeating pattern.

The back of the helmet has two sets of black lines with dots and triangle markings that form a “V” pattern at the center, with more lines in a geometric triangle motif between the two “V” lines.

.3: The neck covering is a piece of black material with the same textured, cross-hatch design as the jumpsuit, with seamed lines forming a triangle motif throughout.

.4ab: The gloves are elbow length and made from a black fabric textured in vertical lines. At the elbow, the gloves end in a firm, smooth-textured, V-shaped black trim with a silver band in the middle and three silver, stylized panther claws on the outside of each glove. The claws face downward and have an imprinted geometric design. Velcro at the cuff attaches the gloves to the sleeve piece. At the wrists and hands are pieces of protective padding in a dark grey material inset with geometric designs in a diamond pattern. Zips at the wrist allow the hand to enter the glove. There is a hard covering on each of the fingers with small triangular cutouts near the knuckles and the center of each finger, with pieces of silver beneath the center cutouts.

.5ab: The boots are composed of a soft black fabric with textured vertical lines. The shaft of the boot slides up the calf and ends in a V-shaped cuff of harder, shiny material and attaches to the leg of the suit with velcro. There is a thick band below the cuff with short, textured diagonal lines repeating in six rows. On the back of the boot shafts, seamed bands are arranged to form a triangle motif. There is a zipper in the shaft. The foot section of the boots are composed of a fabric with a textured cross-hatch pattern. There are several bands of textured diagonal lines across the vamp with a center vertical band of an imprinted triangle motif. The toecaps have an inverted “V”-shaped pattern. The hard rubber outsole curves over the tip of the toecaps with raised shapes resembling a paw or claws.

Topic

African American

Comics and graphic novels

Costume

Costume design

Hollywood (Film)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Marvel Studios and The Walt Disney Company

Object number

2018.39.1.1abc-.5ab

Restrictions & Rights

© Marvel

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Worn by

Flavor Flav, American, born 1959

Subject of

Public Enemy, American, founded 1982

Medium

plastic , metal , ink and rope

Dimensions

H x W x D (Height including rope): 15 1/2 × 4 1/2 × 1 3/8 in. (39.4 × 11.4 × 3.5 cm)

Type

clocks

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Date

mid 1980s

Caption

This clock was acquired in the mid-1980s (exact date unknown) by William Jonathan Drayton Jr., professionally known as Flavor Flav. Drayton wore this clock during the late 1980s and early 1990s during performances and appearances with the group Public Enemy. Drayton said that this was most likely the first clock he wore during a performance with Public Enemy, but he couldn’t be 100% sure. He last wore it on stage while performing with Public Enemy during the NMAAHC’s grand opening concert on 09.24.2016, with the intention to donate it to the museum. .

Description

Clock necklace worn by Flavor Flav in the late 1980s and early 1990s during performances and appearances with the group Public Enemy.

The clock is round and black with an off white face. It has rounded edges and several scratches on it. There is a small black circle on the top of the clock, made out of the same material as the body of the clock. There is a hole on either side. It has a grey rope cord through it with a knot at the top.

The face of the clock is off white and is slightly discolored. It has all twelve numbers in black ink. There are dots going around the outer edge of the face of the clock. There are bold black dots directly next to the twelve numbers, with for smaller black dots in between. There is text above the number "6" white reads [WATER / RESISTANT]. The hands of the clock are black. There is a short, thick hour hand between the "4" and "5", a longer, thinner minute hand at the "29" minute mark, and the longest, thinnest hand, the second hand, is pointing at the "3". The face of the clock is covered with a clear plastic, which has scratches and cracks in several places.

The back of the clock has four visible silver screws, two on the top and two on the bottom. There is a smaller protruding black circle in the middle of the back of the clock. It has raised text which reads [OPEN] and [CLOSE] with an arrow above the words. There are some indented grooves around the edges of the smaller circle. There is a small hole at the bottom of the clock and there is an indented circle going around the entire edge of the clock.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Hip hop (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Flavor Flav

Object number

2018.49

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Created by

Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961

Worn by

Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

Gown: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, net, and metal

Petticoat: synthetic fiber

Jacket: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, sequins, rhinestones, and metal

Type

ensembles (costume)

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This costume is comprised of three (3) pieces, a teal and blue gown, a petticoat, and a matching jacket worn by Clarice Taylor as Addaperle in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.10

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Worn by

Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011

Created by

Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, net, and metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form (a)): 62 1/4 × 27 1/2 × 24 in. (158.1 × 69.9 × 61 cm)

H x W x D (In box (a)): 60 × 22 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (152.4 × 57.8 × 21.6 cm)

L x W x D (from center back bodice with train extended (a)): 71 in. (180.3 cm)

H x W x D (In box (b)): 32 × 22 × 8 in. (81.3 × 55.9 × 20.3 cm)

Waist (at widest point (b)): 34 in. (86.4 cm)

Type

gowns

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This teal and blue floor-length gown and purple petticoat are part of a costume worn by Clarice Taylor as Addaperle in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The sleeveless gown (a) has a fitted bodice and a full skirt with a ruffled hem and short train, and is decorated in a patchwork style with pieces of blue, teal, green and purple fabrics. The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered purple synthetic taffeta.

The bodice of the gown is made of teal satin synthetic fiber lined with drill. The bodice is sleeveless, fitted, and has an open scoop neck. Two (2) patches of velvet, one dark blue and one dark teal, are hand-sewn to the center front of the bodice. The interior front of the bodice has five (5) pieces of boning tape sewn lengthwise from top to waist, but the boning has been removed from all but the two outermost tapes.

The skirt of the gown is floor-length and very full, lengthening in the back with a short train. Teal satin synthetic fiber is sewn in box pleats to the bodice at the waist. The skirt has several large patches of fabric machine-sewn in a random pattern to the teal ground using a zigzag stitch. The patches are of dark blue velvet, dark teal velvet, light green satin and medium green satin. Some of the light green patches are sewn so that the wrong side of the fabric is facing out. Additionally, there are four (4) "envelopes" attached to the skirt, which are white satin rectangles with flaps trimmed in blue ribbon to look like mailing envelopes. The envelopes are only attached along the bottom and the sides, leaving the top open as a pocket. Two envelopes have Velcro closures, making them function as additional pockets. There are three (3) white gloves sewn to the skirt at the wrists and fingertips, each of which is stuffed with foam. A flounce made of medium teal synthetic fiber, trimmed at the top edge with purple velvet and at the bottom edge with purple grosgrain ribbon, is sewn along the bottom of the skirt. The skirt is not lined, but there is a net underskirt with a ruffled hem doubled over and attached across the back interior of the skirt. The interior waistband of the skirt is made of a white grosgrain ribbon that closes at the center back with a hook on the proper right back and two eyes for adjustable fit on the proper left back. A silver zipper begins below the waist of the center back skirt and ends at the top of the bodice neck. A hook-and-eye closure is sewn above the zipper at the center back neck.

The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered purple synthetic taffeta. Like the gown, it is shorter in front. Two tiers of ruffles are sewn at the hemline, each edged in synthetic net stiffener. The waistband is adjustable with hook and eye fasteners, including six (6) eyes ranging from 29 - 34" waist. As an alteration, one (1) additional eye was sewn onto the waistband at 25".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.10.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Created by

Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961

Worn by

Bridgewater, Dee Dee, American, born 1950

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

Dress: synthetic fiber, net (textile), and chiffon

Headdress: synthetic fiber, straw, wire, rhinestones, and metal

Dimensions

On form - dress with train (a) with hat (b): 92 × 50 × 28 in. (233.7 × 127 × 71.1 cm)

Type

ensembles (costume)

Place used

New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This costume is comprised of two (2) pieces, a gown and an accompanying headdress, worn by Dee Dee Bridgewater as the character Glinda in the Broadway production of "The Wiz".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.11

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Created by

Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961

Worn by

Edmead, Wendy, American, born 1956

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

chiffon, crepe, muslin, passementerie, metal, and elastic

Dimensions

H x W x D (In box): 59 × 22 1/2 × 2 3/4 in. (149.9 × 57.2 × 7 cm)

H x W x D (On form): 61 × 28 × 15 1/2 in. (154.9 × 71.1 × 39.4 cm)

Type

jump suits

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This jumpsuit is part of a costume worn by Wendy Edmead as a Quadling in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The jumpsuit is made from a diaphanous, coral-colored synthetic fabric. The bodice of the jumpsuit and its lower section attach only at the center front, leaving exposed the sides of the wearer's stomach and lower back.

The bodice of the jumpsuit is made of a coral crepe synthetic fiber that is covered in pleated coral chiffon synthetic fiber. The full length sleeves are made of the same coral chiffon fabric, which has been ironed into an accordian pleat and cut in a flared trumpet shape. Elastic loops are attached to the wrist area of each sleeve. The bodice is lined in plain muslin, and closes at the center back with a zipper and a hook-and-eye closure at the neck.

On the lower section of the jumpsuit, coral chiffon synthetic fiber attaches at the waist and reaches to the ankles to form wide-legged, accordian-pleated pants. There is a bikini bottom attached to the waistband. The bikini bottom is a coral crepe synthetic fiber on the recto, lined in plain muslin on the verso, and has an open crotch. This lower section of the jumpsuit closes at the center back with a zipper and a hook-and-eye closure at the waist. A length of coral tape is sewn in a loop at the interior proper left and proper right sides.

Coral passementerie is sewn to the bottom edge of the bodice, forming an x at the center front attachment, and continuing along the top edge of the pants. Two (2) metal discs, each stamped with a head in profile and surrounded by a circle of five-pointed stars, are sewn to the top and bottom of the x and at the center front attachment. Coral tasseled fringe is sewn along the collar line of the bodice and at the hip line of the lower section of the jumpsuit, below the passementerie decoration. Stamped metal discs are sewn all along the fringe at the collar and the hip.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.12

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Dearing, Judy, American, 1940 - 1995

Worn by

Beverley, Trezana, American, born 1945

Subject of

Dr. Shange, Ntozake, American, 1948 - 2018

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

synthetic satin and crepe with metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (on form): 61 × 26 1/4 × 17 in. (154.9 × 66.7 × 43.2 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

New York City, Manhattan County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1976-1978

Description

Sleeveless dress costume for the character Lady in Red from the original Broadway production of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." The dress is made from red satin synthetic fabric with the crepe finished wrong side facing. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline, scooped back, and front shaping with princess darts, ending at the natural waistline. The neckline and armholes are edged with the red satin, with the shiny satin side facing. There is a length of self-fabric piping around the waist, again with the shiny satin side facing. The full circle skirt falls at the knee and is hemmed with serged stitching in black thread. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper, with two (2) small metal hook-and-eye fasteners, one at the top of the back and the second at the waist. There is a length of black grosgrain ribbon sewn to the interior proper right waist with a large metal eye on the end, which closes with a large metal hook sewn to the interior proper left waist just inside the zipper. The bodice is lined with red synthetic satin, while the skirt is not lined.

Topic

African American

Broadway Theatre

Clothing and dress

Costume

Poetry

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.35

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Dearing, Judy, American, 1940 - 1995

Worn by

Collins, Risë

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Dr. Shange, Ntozake, American, 1948 - 2018

Medium

synthetic satin and crepe with metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 40 3/4 × 17 × 14 1/2 in. (103.5 × 43.2 × 36.8 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

New York City, Manhattan County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1976-1978

Description

Sleeveless dress costume for the character Lady in Purple from the original Broadway production of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." The dress is made from purple satin synthetic fabric with the crepe finished wrong side facing. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline, scooped back, and front shaping with princess darts, ending at the natural waistline. The neckline and armholes are edged with the purple satin, with the shiny satin side facing. There is a length of self-fabric piping around the waist, again with the shiny satin side facing. The full circle skirt falls at the knee and is hemmed with a chain stitch in purple thread that is covered with serged stitching in pink thread. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper, with two (2) small metal hook-and-eye fasteners, one at the top of the back and the second at the waist. There is a length of cream grosgrain ribbon sewn to the interior proper right and left back waist with a single metal hook-and-eye closure on the ends of the ribbon. The bodice is lined with purple synthetic satin, while the skirt is not lined. There are two (2) male metal snaps, one at each front armhole interior, sewn over the seam of the bust dart; there is no evidence of the corresponding female sides of these snaps.

Topic

African American

Actors

Broadway Theatre

Clothing and dress

Costume

Poetry

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.36

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Dearing, Judy, American, 1940 - 1995

Worn by

Dr. Shange, Ntozake, American, 1948 - 2018

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

synthetic satin and crepe with metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (on form): 43 1/2 × 15 × 15 in. (110.5 × 38.1 × 38.1 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

New York City, Manhattan County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1976-1978

Description

Sleeveless dress costume for the character Lady in Orange from the original Broadway production of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." The dress is made from orange satin synthetic fabric with the crepe finished wrong side facing. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline, scooped back, and front shaping with princess darts, ending at the natural waistline. The neckline and armholes are edged with the orange fabric, with the shiny satin side facing. There is a length of self-fabric piping around the waist, again with the shiny satin side facing. The full circle skirt falls at the knee and is hemmed with serged stitching in orange thread. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper, with two (2) metal hook-and-eye fasteners, one at the top of the back and the second at the waist. There is a length of cream grosgrain ribbon sewn to the interior proper left waist with a large metal eye on the end, which closes with a large metal hook sewn to the interior proper right waist just inside the zipper. The bodice is lined with orange synthetic satin, while the skirt is not lined. There are six (6) male metal snaps, three at each armhole interior; there is no evidence of the corresponding female sides of these snaps.

Topic

African American

Broadway Theatre

Clothing and dress

Costume

Poetry

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.37

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Travilla, William, American, 1920 - 1990

Worn by

Carroll, Diahann, American, born 1935

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

taffeta, chiffon, rayon thread, lace, and metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (Dress on form): 61 × 26 1/4 × 17 in. (154.9 × 66.7 × 43.2 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Date

1968-1971

Description

Dress worn by Diahann Carroll as the character Julia Baker on the television show "Julia." The pink and cream dress is a full-length, long-sleeved gown with a high neck. A sleeveless bodice and full skirt made from pink taffeta is overlaid with a double layer of pale cream chiffon, with the chiffon covering the entire skirt and forming the upper bodice and sleeves. Large floral sprays are machine embroidered in cream thread on the chiffon. The hem of the skirt, the cuffs of the sleeves, and the neck are edged with cream lace in an openwork design. The dress closes with a zipper at the center back. The cuffs and the neck fasten with metal hook-and-eye closures, two (2) at each cuff and three (3) at the center back neck. There is a pale pink satin belt with a self fabric-covered decorative buckle at the high waistline that closes with three (3) metal snaps and three (3) metal hook-and-eyes.

The pink lower bodice and skirt of the dress are self-lined, with an additional paler pink petticoat attached under the lining of the skirt. The upper bodice is lined with a brown net, giving a darker hue to this section of the gown under the chiffon overlay. The sleeves are not lined.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Costume

Sitcoms

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.38

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Travilla, William, American, 1920 - 1990

Worn by

Carroll, Diahann, American, born 1935

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

crêpe synthetic fiber and metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 58 × 20 × 15 in. (147.3 × 50.8 × 38.1 cm)

Length: 61 in. (154.9 cm)

Waist: 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm)

Inseam: 30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm)

Chest: 36 in. (91.4 cm)

Type

jump suits

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Date

1968-1971

Description

Jumpsuit worn by Diahann Carroll as the character Julia Baker on the television show "Julia." The jumpsuit is a halter with a large bow in the front and wide legs. The halter top has two (2) wide straps and fastens at the back neck with a metal hook on the proper right strap. (The eye on the proper left strap is missing.) An oversized bow with long tails is sewn to the center front of the jumpsuit. There is a center seam going down the front of the jumpsuit that continues down the inside of each pant leg. The pants are wide-legged and flare at the bottom. The bodice of the jumpsuit is backless with a U-shape around the lower back. The jumpsuit closes with a metal zipper that begins at the center lower back and is approximately 4 1/2 inches long. There are two pieces of boning covered in the pink crepe sewn to the interior of the jumpsuit on the proper right and proper left sides below the armholes. They are attached at the top but not at the bottom. The jumpsuit is not lined.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Costume

Sitcoms

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.39

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Worn by

Mills, Stephanie, American, born 1957

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

cotton, lace, ribbon, plastic, elastic, and metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form (ab)): 32 1/2 × 20 × 18 3/4 in. (82.6 × 50.8 × 47.6 cm)

H x W x D (Flat (b)): 1 5/8 × 10 1/2 × 9 1/2 in. (4.1 × 26.7 × 24.1 cm)

Type

dresses

belts (costume accessories)

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This dress and belt were worn by Stephanie Mills as Dorothy in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The short-sleeved off-white cotton dress (a) falls just above the knee and has a circle skirt with a flounce. The v-neck bodice has bust darts and ends at the natural waistline. The neck opening is outlined with decorative, machine-made, off-white lace that has a central ladder design bordered by flowers. Two (2) rows of this lace continue down the center-front of the bodice to the waist. Red grosgrain ribbon is woven into the middle of the lace. The full, pouf sleeves are elbow-length and have thin elastic strips sewn inside the hem, creating gathered cuffs. Each cuff is bordered with machine-made, off-white lace that has a design of large circles bordered by smaller circles, through which red grosgrain ribbon has been woven. Lace flounces with a floral design are sewn into the hem of each cuff and hang 2 3/4 inches below the sleeve.

The skirt is heavily gathered at the waist, creating a very full skirt. A 5 1/2-inch flounce with box pleats is sewn around the hem. Above this flounce is a strip of the same lace as on the bodice, also with red grosgrain ribbon woven through the center of the lace. Above the decorative lace and ribbon are two pin tucks. The dress closes at the center back with five (5) off-white plastic buttons. The bottom button is different than the others, and may be a replacement. A single hook-and-eye closure is placed at the interior center back waistline. The back of the skirt is open with no apparent closure method.

The belt (b) is made of a shiny red plastic, and has a square metal buckle faced in the red plastic.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.6ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Created by

Nihda, Fred, 1931 - 1997

Worn by

Haynes, Tiger, American, 1914 - 1994

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

Canvas, wool knit, reinforced plastic, metal, leather, nylon, felt, synthetic fiber, paint, steel wool, plastic foam, Velcro™, cord, tape, and glue

Dimensions

H x W x D: 76 × 29 1/2 × 12 1/4 in. (193 × 74.9 × 31.1 cm)

Type

ensembles (costume)

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This costume was worn by Tiger Haynes as Tin Man in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. It consists of a headpiece (.1.1), cuirass (.1.2), left arm and right arm armor and arm harness (.1.3abc), left leg armor (.1.4), right leg armor (.1.5), shoes (.2ab), union suit (.3), and prop oil can (.4).

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Men

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.7

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Created by

Nihda, Fred, 1931 - 1997

Used by

Haynes, Tiger, American, 1914 - 1994

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 12 1/2 × 3 3/4 × 2 in. (31.8 × 9.5 × 5.1 cm)

Type

güiros

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This oil can güira prop is part of a costume used by Tiger Haynes as Tin Man in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. It is a cylindrical tube of sheet metal with cone-shaped pieces soldered onto each long end. A rectangular hammered metal handle is nailed lengthwise to the join of the cylinder with nails. The bottom third of the cylinder has a series of hammered raised dots. When used as a percussive instrument, called a güira, these dots are scraped using a comb-like metal device to create sound.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Men

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.7.4

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Musical Instruments

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Created by

Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961

Worn by

De Shields, André, American, born 1946

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

Jumpsuit (.1): synthetic fiber, rhinestones, and Velcro™

Cape (.2): synthetic fiber, fur, sequins, and rhinestones

Headpiece (.3): synthetic fiber, batting, rhinestones, and Velcro™

Boots (.4): leather, wood, paint, and metal

Type

ensembles (costume)

Place used

New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1975

Description

This costume is comprised of four (4) pieces, a jumpsuit (.1), a cape (.2), a headpiece (.3), and a pair of boots (.4ab) worn by André De Shields as The Wizard in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.8

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture