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

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

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

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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

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

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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

Mackie, Bob, American, born 1940

Aghayan, Ray, Iranian American, born 1934

Koch, Norma, American, 1898 - 1979

Worn by

Ross, Diana, American, born 1944

Subject of

Holiday, Billie, American, 1915 - 1959

Medium

wool twill with metal hooks

Dimensions

H x W (Flat): 48 1/2 × 19 in. (123.2 × 48.3 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Date

1972

Description

Teal twill wool long-sleeved mid-calf length dress worn by Diana Ross as Billie Holiday in the Paramount Pictures produced 1972 film "Lady Sings the Blues." The dress has a mock turtleneck and no waist seam, but center front and back seams. There are diagonal light green stripes of wool that angle in a point-up double chevron on the bodice and wrap around to the back. The dress closes at the center back from the neck to below the waist with eleven (11) self-covered teal buttons and self loops, and thirteen (13) hooks that attach to the loops. Additionally, there is one (1) black snap at the top of the neck and two (2) snaps at the bottom of the back closure. Thread-wrapped metal is sewn at the interior of the upper part of the shoulder seams to make the mock turtleneck stand out from the neck. The dress is not lined and is hand hemmed.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Costume

Fashion

Film

Jazz (Music)

Motown (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2012.64.4.1

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