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

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Theiss, William Ware, American, 1931 - 1992

Worn by

Nichols, Nichelle, American, born 1932

Medium

synthetic velour cloth with metal and Velcro closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (flat): 27 1/2 × 22 × 3/4 in. (69.9 × 55.9 × 1.9 cm)

Type

dresses

Date

1966-1967

Description

This red Starfleet uniform was worn by Nichelle Nichols as the character Lt. Uhura on the television show Star Wars. The red mini-dress is made from synthetic velour fabric with gold braid details and a black knit collar. The dress has full-length fitted sleeves, with a band of gold braid sewn around each sleeve approximately three (3) inches above the cuff hem. The dress closes with a metal invisible zipper that begins below the proper left front waist and ends at the proper left top shoulder, running across the front rather than at the side of the bodice. The zipper is left loose for several inches at the bottom before being joined to the fabric at the waist line. The skirt closes by snapping the proper left front with one (1) black metal snap at the proper right front, then with the proper right front skirt fastening on top of the left with one (1) black metal snap at the proper left front near the zipper. The back of the skirt has a slit reaching up to the waist seam. The black knit standing collar is asymmetrical, being deeper at the proper left front. The left side and back portion of the collar is not attached to the neck of the bodice, but is snapped in place around the interior neck with four (4) black metal snaps. A v-shaped patch with gold lame fabric and black embroidery is sewn with the point facing upward at the proper left front chest, with the proper left half of the patch not sewn down. This half of the patch is backed with black Velcro, fastening over the closed zipper.

The dress is not lined and there are no labels in the dress. Two (2) hanger loops are sewn in the interior, one at the center back neck and one at the proper left shoulder, both made from grosgrain ribbon.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Science

Television

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2016.126

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Flynn, Danny

Worn by

Ellis, Terry Lynn, American, born 1963

Subject of

En Vogue, American, founded 1989

Medium

Dress: aluminum mesh

Bra: Polyester fiber, polyurethane and metal (underwire)

Bikini briefs: nylon and spandex

Shoes: leather, plastic, rubber, metal and glittered mesh

Dimensions

H x W (.1, Dress, flat): 28 1/2 × 16 in. (72.4 × 40.6 cm)

H x W x D (.1, Dress, on form): 27 × 12 3/4 × 10 in. (68.6 × 32.4 × 25.4 cm)

H x W (.2, Bra, flat): 9 3/4 × 12 1/2 in. (24.8 × 31.8 cm)

H x W x D (.2, Bra, on form): 9 1/2 × 10 × 9 in. (24.1 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (.3, Bikini briefs, flat): 8 × 12 1/4 in. (20.3 × 31.1 cm)

H x W x D (.3, Bikini briefs, on form): 8 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 8 in. (21.6 × 31.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W x D (.4a, Shoe (left)): 5 1/2 × 3 1/4 × 10 in. (14 × 8.3 × 25.4 cm)

H x W x D (.4b, Shoe (right)): 5 1/2 × 3 1/4 × 10 in. (14 × 8.3 × 25.4 cm)

Type

bikinis (underwear)

brassieres

pumps (shoes)

sheath dresses

Place used

Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A costume worn by Terry Ellis of En Vogue for the music video “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” (1992) comprised of a dress (.1), a bra (.2), a pair of bikini briefs (.3), and a pair of shoes (.4ab).

Dress (.1): Mini-length shift dress made of small (1/4-inch) interlocking silver metal octagonal discs. The dress is sleeveless, with a deep v-neck front and a low-cut straight back bodice. The dress is not lined.

Bra (.2): Metallic silver bra in an underwire demi cup style with adjustable straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye back closure. The bra is not lined.

Bikini briefs (.3): Metallic silver bikini style briefs. The briefs are not lined.

Shoes (.4ab): Pair of metallic silver close-toed high-heeled shoes. The shoes have a pointed silver toe cap attached to a vamp made of silver glittered mesh. Two silver straps border the back edge of the vamp and cross at the top of the vamp, continuing across the top of the foot and attached to the sole just in front of the heel. A silver heel strap is attached to the front straps. The curved heels have a tan rubber bottom. A black non-slip rubber pad is adhered to the front half of the soles with a logo of a cat punching above the words "CAT'S PAW."

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of En Vogue

Object number

2014.189.10.1-.4ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Flynn, Danny

Worn by

Herron, Cindy, American, born 1961

Subject of

En Vogue, American, founded 1989

Medium

Dress: aluminum mesh

Bra: Polyester fiber, polyurethane and metal (underwire)

Bikini briefs: nylon and spandex

Shoes: leather, plastic, rubber, metal and glittered mesh

Dimensions

H x W (.1, Dress, flat): 30 × 16 1/2 in. (76.2 × 41.9 cm)

H x W x D (.1, Dress, on form): 28 × 12 3/4 × 10 in. (71.1 × 32.4 × 25.4 cm)

H x W (.2, Bra, flat): 10 × 13 3/4 in. (25.4 × 34.9 cm)

H x W x D (.2, Bra, on form): 9 1/2 × 10 × 9 in. (24.1 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (.3, Bikini briefs, flat): 8 1/4 × 12 in. (21 × 30.5 cm)

H x W x D (.3, Bikini briefs, on form): 8 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 8 in. (21.6 × 31.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W x D (.4a, Shoe (left)): 5 × 3 3/8 × 10 3/8 in. (12.7 × 8.6 × 26.4 cm)

H x W x D (.4b, Shoe (right)): 5 × 3 3/8 × 10 3/8 in. (12.7 × 8.6 × 26.4 cm)

Type

bikinis (underwear)

brassieres

pumps (shoes)

sheath dresses

Place used

Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A costume worn by Cindy Herron of En Vogue for the music video “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” (1992) comprised of a dress (.1), a bra (.2), a pair of bikini briefs (.3), and a pair of shoes (.4ab).

Dress (.1): Mini-length shift dress made of small (1/4-inch) interlocking silver metal octagonal discs. The dress is sleeveless, with a scoop neck front bodice. The straps are crossed to form an "x" at the center back bodice. The dress is not lined.

Bra (.2): Metallic silver bra in an underwire demi cup style with adjustable straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye back closure. The bra is not lined.

Bikini briefs (.3): Metallic silver bikini style briefs. The briefs are not lined.

Shoes (.4ab): Pair of metallic silver close-toed high-heeled shoes. The shoes have a pointed silver toe cap attached to a vamp made of silver glittered mesh. Two silver straps border the back edge of the vamp and cross at the top of the vamp, continuing across the top of the foot and attached to the sole just in front of the heel. A silver heel strap is attached to the front straps. The curved heels have a tan rubber bottom. A black non-slip rubber pad is adhered to the front half of the soles with a logo of a cat punching above the words "CAT'S PAW."

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of En Vogue

Object number

2014.189.11.1-.4ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Flynn, Danny

Worn by

Robinson, Dawn Sherrese, American, born 1965

Subject of

En Vogue, American, founded 1989

Medium

Dress: aluminum mesh

Bra: Polyester fiber, polyurethane and metal (underwire)

Bikini briefs: nylon and spandex

Shoes: leather, plastic, rubber and metal

Dimensions

H x W (.1, Dress, flat): 30 × 18 in. (76.2 × 45.7 cm)

H x W x D (.1, Dress, on form): 29 × 12 3/4 × 10 in. (73.7 × 32.4 × 25.4 cm)

H x W (.2, Bra, flat): 10 × 12 in. (25.4 × 30.5 cm)

H x W x D (.2, Bra, on form): 9 1/2 × 10 × 9 in. (24.1 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (.3, Bikini briefs, flat): 7 3/4 × 10 1/2 in. (19.7 × 26.7 cm)

H x W x D (.3, Bikini briefs, on form): 8 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 8 in. (21.6 × 31.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W x D (.4a, Shoe (left)): 5 1/4 × 3 3/8 × 9 3/8 in. (13.3 × 8.6 × 23.8 cm)

H x W x D (.4b, Shoe (right)): 5 1/4 × 3 1/8 × 9 3/8 in. (13.3 × 7.9 × 23.8 cm)

Type

bikinis (underwear)

brassieres

pumps (shoes)

sheath dresses

Place used

Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A costume worn by Dawn Robinson of En Vogue for the music video “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” (1992) comprised of a dress (.1), a bra (.2), a pair of bikini briefs (.3), and a pair of shoes (.4ab).

Dress (.1): Mini-length shift dress made of small (1/4-inch) interlocking silver metal octagonal discs. The dress is sleeveless, with a deep v-neck front bodice. The back bodice is open, with one (1) straight 2-inch strap running horizontally across the mid-back above a triangular cut-out. The dress is not lined.

Bra (.2): Metallic silver bra in an underwire demi cup style with adjustable straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye back closure. The bra is not lined.

Bikini briefs (.3): Metallic silver bikini style briefs. The briefs are not lined.

Shoes (.4ab): Pair of metallic silver open-toed high-heeled shoes. The vamp has a crisscrossing swirled pattern over the top of the front of the foot. A t-strap style closure connects the vamp to the heel cap. The straps close with a metal snap and have a decorative silver buckle. The curved heels have a black rubber bottom. A cream non-slip rubber pad is adhered to the front half of the soles.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of En Vogue

Object number

2014.189.8.1-.4ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Flynn, Danny

Worn by

Jones, Maxine, American, born 1962

Subject of

En Vogue, American, founded 1989

Medium

Dress: aluminum mesh

Bra: Polyester fiber, polyurethane and metal (underwire)

Bikini briefs: nylon and spandex

Shoes: leather, plastic, rubber and metal

Dimensions

H x W (.1, Dress, flat): 29 × 19 1/2 in. (73.7 × 49.5 cm)

H x W x D (.1, dress, on form): 28 × 12 3/4 × 10 in. (71.1 × 32.4 × 25.4 cm)

H x W (.2, Bra, flat): 10 1/4 × 14 in. (26 × 35.6 cm)

H x W x D (.2, Bra, on form): 9 1/4 × 10 × 9 in. (23.5 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (.3, Bikini briefs, flat): 8 × 10 3/4 in. (20.3 × 27.3 cm)

H x W x D (.3, Bikini briefs, on form): 8 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 8 in. (21.6 × 31.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W x D (.4a, Shoe (left)): 5 1/4 × 3 1/4 × 9 3/4 in. (13.3 × 8.3 × 24.8 cm)

H x W x D (.4b, Shoe (right)): 5 1/4 × 3 1/8 × 9 3/4 in. (13.3 × 7.9 × 24.8 cm)

Type

bikinis (underwear)

brassieres

pumps (shoes)

sheath dresses

Place used

Oakland, Alameda County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A costume worn by Maxine Jones of En Vogue for the music video “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” (1992) comprised of a dress (.1), a bra (.2), a pair of bikini briefs (.3), and a pair of shoes (.4ab).

Dress (.1): Mini-length shift dress made of small (1/4-inch) interlocking silver metal octagonal discs. The dress is sleeveless, with a v-neck front and back bodice. The dress is not lined.

Bra (.2): Metallic silver bra in an underwire demi cup style with adjustable straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye back closure. The bra is not lined.

Bikini briefs (.3): Metallic silver bikini style briefs. The briefs are not lined.

Shoes (.4ab): Pair of metallic silver open-toed high-heeled shoes. The vamp has a crisscrossing swirled pattern over the top of the front of the foot. A t-strap style closure connects the vamp to the heel cap. The straps close with a metal snap and have a decorative silver buckle. The curved heels are a dark tan and have a black rubber bottom. A cream non-slip rubber pad is adhered to the front half of the soles. Thin foam padding is adhered to the insoles of the toes.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of En Vogue

Object number

2014.189.9.1-.4ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Executive Apparel, American, founded 1934

Worn by

Berry, Halle, American, born 1966

Medium

a: polyester and cotton blend cloth, plastic buttons

b: plastic and metal

Dimensions

H x W: 44 x 20 1/2 in. (111.8 x 52.1 cm)

Type

dresses

uniform

Place depicted

Louisiana, United States, North and Central America

Date

2001

Description

This teal waitress uniform dress (a) and name tag (b) were worn by Halle Berry as Leticia Musgrove in the film Monster's Ball (2001). The fitted short-sleeved dress reaches below the knee and is made from dark teal polyester cotton blend fabric. It closes at the center front with six (6) round white plastic buttons. The front opening reaches from the neck to below the waist, not to the hem. The collar and decorative panels on the cuffs of the sleeves are made from white polyester and cotton blend fabric. There are two (2) inset pockets, one at each side hip sewn into the side seams. The dress is not lined. A white manufacturer's label with burgundy embroidered text reading "EXECUTIVE / APPAREL / MADE IN U.S.A." is sewn at the interior center back neck with the name "LETICIA" handwritten in the bottom right corner in black ink. Below the manufacturer's label is a white fabric label with black printed text detailing the size, fiber content, and care.

The name tag (b) is pinned to the dress on the proper left front just below the collar. It is a rectangular piece of black plastic with a cream plastic panel adhered to the front that has engraved lines reading "LETICIA". It fastens with a metal rolling safety clasp that is adhered to the center of the back.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Film

Race relations

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2011.125ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Rose, Helen, American, 1904 - 1985

Worn by

Horne, Lena, American, 1917 - 2010

Medium

velvet with metal and fur

Dimensions

H x W: 53 x 24 in. (134.6 x 61 cm)

Type

dresses

Date

1943

Description

A green velvet dress worn by Lena Horne in the film Stormy Weather (1943). The dress has a gathered waist, buckle-back, and ermine collar. It was worn by Horne as "Selina Rogers" in the dressing-room scene with actor Bill Robinson.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Film

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2011.90

Restrictions & Rights

No known copyright restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture 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

Potter, Betsey, American

Created by

Unidentified

Worn by

Sanford, Isabel, American, 1917 - 2004

Subject of

The Jeffersons, American, 1975 - 1985

Medium

synthetic fiber, metal, rhinestones, and elastic

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 55 1/2 × 19 1/2 × 18 in. (141 × 49.5 × 45.7 cm)

H x W (Flat): 56 1/4 × 15 in. (142.9 × 38.1 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1979

Description

This dress was worn by Isabel Sanford as the character Louise Jefferson on the television show "The Jeffersons." The maxi dress is made of a synthetic knit fabric in a brown, rust, and beige design of speckled stripes bordering scallops that alternate facing up and down. The collar is a v-neck in both the front and the back, and is bordered with two strips of synthetic knit fabric in solid brown and rust. The same brown fabric is sewn at the hem in a four (4) inch wide band, that is folded to the back to form a doubled layer and quilted with five (5) horizontal parallel lines. On the exterior center front, a length of the dress fabric is attached to make a small faux belt, which serves to cover the fabric gathered by the interior elastic. This exterior strip is held on both sides by two (2) gold-colored metal buckles covered in clear and light yellow rhinestones. On the back, the dress closes with a dark brown zipper that runs up the center back from the waist to the collar, with an additional closure of a single hook-and-eye at the center back collar.

Orange elastic is stitched to the interior of the center front below the bustline to create a gathered empire waist. The elastic is covered by orange chiffon where it is attached. The length of orange elastic reaches beyond the stitched front portion, being long enough to reach around to the wearer's back waist for additional bust support. No back closure method is apparent on the elastic except for dark brown threads, indicating the elastic was sewn closed after the dress was put on by the wearer. The dress is not lined. An off-white fabric label with black embroidered text is sewn to the interior proper left side of the neck that reads: "THE WARDROBE WING / HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA". Three (3) off-white fabric labels are sewn into the side seam just above the hem detail including a retailer's label for "I MAGNIN", care instructions, and sizing.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Sitcoms

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.145.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture 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

Potter, Betsey, American

Created by

Unidentified

Worn by

Gibbs, Marla, American, born 1931

Subject of

The Jeffersons, American, 1975 - 1985

Medium

cotton, metal, and elastic

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form (ab)): 45 × 18 1/2 × 13 in. (114.3 × 47 × 33 cm)

H x W (Flat (a)): 45 × 13 3/4 in. (114.3 × 34.9 cm)

H x W (Flat (b)): 71 1/4 × 1/2 in. (181 × 1.3 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1977-1980

Description

This dress (a) and belt (b) were worn by Marla Gibbs as the character Florence Johnston on the television show "The Jeffersons." The house dress and matching string belt are made from the same brown and taupe gingham check cotton.

The dress (a) is a knee-length A-line style with full length sleeves and a forward point collar. It has a concealed zipper closure at the center front, with the light brown zipper reaching from the waist to the collar. Above the top of the zipper closure, the front of the dress folds open at the center neck. There are two (2) rectangular patch pockets, one at each front hip. The set-in sleeves are straight cut with elastic at the wrist and no cuff. There is piping, in the same gingham check, along the neckline and in vertical strips on the proper left and proper right sides on both the front and back of the dress. A single gore of gingham check is sewn to the outside portion of the dress beside the piping at the proper left and proper right sides on the front and back, beginning approximately sixteen (16) inches above the hemline. Hem weights are sewn inside the dress hem, except at the front and back center panels. The dress is not lined. A rectangular white paper label is attached to the seam allowance at the interior proper left front side of the bodice that reads in handwritten black ink: "252".

The string belt (b) is a length of the gingham check cotton sewn on the bias. One end is turned and finished, while the other is unfinished but previously may have come unstitched.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Sitcoms

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.145.3ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Oscar de la Renta, American, founded 1965

Worn by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

silk, velvet, glass, metal, and synthetic fiber

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 58 1/2 × 19 1/2 × 12 in. (148.6 × 49.5 × 30.5 cm)

H x W x D (Flat): 32 1/2 × 23 × 3 1/2 in. (82.6 × 58.4 × 8.9 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

1986

Description

A purple Oscar De La Renta gown with beaded cuffs worn by the singer Whitney Houston during the performance of the song "The Greatest Love of All" at the Americana Concert in New York City on July 4, 1986. This dress is an evening-length dress in a straight sheath style, with a bateau collar, full-length sleeves, a high slit at the proper right front, and a deep cowl back. The dress is made from a vibrant purple silk which is pattererned throughout with repeating ovals of a darker purple in varying sizes. The sleeves are in a very full peasant style, with pleated shoulders and stiffening sewn into each cap. The sleeves end in 5-3/4 inch long heavily ornamented cuffs that are covered in black velvet and adorned with beads in varying sizes. Large oval- and teardrop-shaped cabochon glass beads of blue, garnet, amber, and green set in 4-prong settings are centered on the cuffs in a floral design. This central cluster of larger cabochons is surrounded by a swirling pattern of individually stitched pearls, strands of strung gold bugle beads, and strands of strung gold seed beads. The swirling pattern of stitched gold beads continues around the inside of the cuff, wrapping around additional pearls and 4-prong set clear and garnet-colored cabochons. There is a set-in zipper on the inside of each cuff.

Inside the dress, on the verso, at the lowest point of the cowl in the back, is a 1-1/2 inch wide purple grosgrain ribbon attached at the inside hem. The ribbon has two (2) hook-and-eye fasteners for fastening around to the front waist. The dress is not lined.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Fashion

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston

Object number

2014.161.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

von Furstenberg, Diane, Belgian, born 1946

Worn by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

synthetic fiber, glass beads, metal, and cotton tape

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 67 × 17 × 10 in. (170.2 × 43.2 × 25.4 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1993

Description

A red dress designed by Diane von Furstenberg and worn by the singer Whitney Houston for her performance of the song “I Have Nothing” at the 1993 Billboard Awards. The dress is a very slim fitting full-length dress made from a red synthetic fabric, with full-length sleeves and a turtleneck collar. The bodice and sleeves of the dress are completely unadorned. Starting below the waist, the skirt is formed by tiers of fabric stitched on a bias. The tiers are of the same fabric as the bodice, and are trimmed all along each hem with beaded tassels of strung red bugle beads, reinforced with red twill tape on the interior. Five (5) tiers on the proper left descend in a criss-cross with the five (5) tiers on the proper right, with each subsequent tier stitched underneath the tier above. The proper right tiers wrap all the way around to the back of the dress, giving the appearance of five (5) tiers on the verso. The dress fastens with an inset red metal zipper that runs from the top of the turtleneck to just above the first tier. The dress is not lined.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Fashion

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston

Object number

2014.161.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Clothing-Fashion

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

Flynn, Danny

Manufactured by

Isaac Mizrahi, founded 1987

Worn by

Herron, Cindy, American, born 1961

Subject of

En Vogue, American, founded 1989

Medium

Dress: synthetic fiber and spandex

Bra: satin, nylon, spandex, and metal (underwire)

Gloves: nylon and spandex

Shoes: satin, leather, elastic, and rubber

Dimensions

H x W (.1, dress, flat): 52 1/2 × 13 in. (133.4 × 33 cm)

H x W x D (.1, dress, on form): 55 × 12 1/2 × 8 in. (139.7 × 31.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W (,2, bra, flat): 7 1/2 × 13 in. (19.1 × 33 cm)

H x W x D (.2, bra, on form): 7 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 9 in. (19.1 × 26.7 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (.3a, glove (left)): 21 1/2 × 5 in. (54.6 × 12.7 cm)

H x W (.3b, glove (right)): 21 1/2 × 5 in. (54.6 × 12.7 cm)

H x W x D (.4a, shoe (left)): 5 × 3 1/2 × 10 3/4 in. (12.7 × 8.9 × 27.3 cm)

H x W x D (.4b, shoe (right)): 5 × 3 1/2 × 10 3/4 in. (12.7 × 8.9 × 27.3 cm)

Type

dresses

brassieres

gloves

pumps (shoes)

Date

1992

Description

A costume worn by Cindy Herron of En Vogue for the music video "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" (1992) comprised of a red dress (.1), a bra (.2), a pair of elbow-length black gloves (.3), and a pair of black heels (.4ab).

Dress (.1): A red halter neck sleeveless dress with an an ankle-length skirt. The dress is made from a red stretch knit sewn with the dull side of the fabric facing. The front of the bodice is v-shaped and scoops below the bust. There is a sixteen (16) inch slit along the proper right side of the skirt, with the edges of the slit rounded at the hem. The letter "C" is handwritten in black ink on the inside back bodice. The dress is not lined.

Bra (.2): A red and black strapless bra with padded cups, black lace wings, and an adjustable back closure with two hooks and three sets of two eyes. The cups are faced in red satin, with an additonal half-circle panel of the red satin sewn around the bottoms and between the cups. The interior of the cups is made black nylon. Clear elastic grip tape is attached at the interior top edge of the wings. The letter "C" is handwritten in white ink or paint on the interior center front gore and in black ink on the interior side of the red satin half-circle panel.

Gloves (.3ab): A pair of black elbow-length stretch gloves, both alike. The gloves are seamed along the exterior side and around the fingers, with a separate thumb attached to the gusset. The letter "C" is handwritten in white ink or paint on the interior of each glove near the opening. In the the left glove (a) there is a white manufacturer's tag sewn to the seam near the arm opening with fiber content, size, and place of manufacture printed on it in black ink.

Shoes (.4ab): A pair of black satin pumps with a pointed toe. Each toe box has a small oval cutout at the exterior side of the shoe. A small leather bow is stitched to each toe box between the oval cutout and the toe box edge. The sides of each foot are uncovered. At each heel is a small thin leather strap, with a 1 inch strip of elastic at the back center of the strap to grip the heel. The shoes have 3-1/4 inch stiletto heels that are tipped with rubber. On the insole at the heel on both shoes is a white label with black text that reads: "ISAAC / ISAAC MIZRAHI". On the underside of both shoes at the shank are the leather seal and size: "vero/ cuoio/ MADE IN ITALY/ 10/ B".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of En Vogue

Object number

2014.189.2.1-.4ab

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

Travis, Michael, American, 1928 - 2014

Worn by

Warwick, Dionne, American, born 1940

Medium

Dress: synthetic fiber with metal zipper

Belt: synthetic fiber and leather with plastic, glass, and metal rhinestones and beads, and metal hook-and-eyes

Dimensions

H x W x D ((a) flat): 57 1/2 × 18 × 5 in. (146.1 × 45.7 × 12.7 cm)

H x W x D ((b) flat): 26 × 28 × 1/4 in. (66 × 71.1 × 0.6 cm)

Type

dresses

belts (costume accessories)

Date

ca. 1965

Description

A light purple dress (a) with ivory embroidery and coordinating ivory belt (b) with beaded decoration worn by Dionne Warwick.

(a): Lilac purple dress with long sleeves and a full skirt. The dress is made of a lilac organza layered over ivory organza and decorated with an ivory machine-embroidered abstract floral design. Embroidered leaves, attached all over the dress on the bodice, sleeves and skirt, hang loose as three-dimensional elements. The bodice of the dress is fitted with an ivory notched spread collar. The bodice is fully lined with ivory synthetic fabric. The dress closes at the center front with a metal zipper that begins below the waist and ends at the center bust. There is a single metal hook-and-eye fastener above the zipper. The full-length sleeves are fitted to the elbow, with the forearms having large pleats, ending in fitted ivory cuffs that fasten with two (2) ivory fabric-covered buttons on each cuff. The skirt of the dress is very full with a floor-length hemline, and has two under-layers of petticoats. The innermost petticoat is an ivory synthetic fiber lined in an ivory synthetic satin, with two tiers of ivory organza ruffles sewn along at the exterior bottom. The outer petticoat is made of two layers of ivory organza. The initials of the designer, "MT", are handwritten in black ink at the interior proper right back of the bodice.

(b): Wide ivory belt with rhinestones and beaded tassel. The belt is faced with an ivory organza and edged in ivory satin. A large flower made of white and clear rhinestones is sewn at the center front, which is slightly wider than the rest of the belt. Six (6) long strands of varying lengths with white, clear, and silver beads hang from the center of the flower. Each beaded strand ends in a beaded tassel with nine (9) strands. The belt is lined with ivory leather. It fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eye closures.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dwandalyn R. Reece in memory of Pauline Watkins Reece

Object number

2015.45.1ab

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