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

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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

Rodgers, Aggie Guerard, American, born 1943

Manufactured by

Palace Costume Company, American, founded 1990

Worn by

Oprah Winfrey, American, born 1954

Medium

rayon and cotton satin, cotton, silk satin, and trimming

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 48 1/4 × 24 1/2 × 12 in. (122.6 × 62.2 × 30.5 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1985

Description

Black dress worn by Oprah Winfrey as the character Sofia Johnson in the film "The Color Purple." The short-sleeved shift dress is made from a single piece of black rayon-cotton blend satin that is folded in half at the shoulder and seamed down each side, with a neck hole cut at the fold. A gusset made of the satin blend is sewn at each side seam reaching approximately 9 inches above the hem. The sleeves are edged with a brown, green, and purple paisley printed cotton and trimmed in red rickrack. Black silk satin panels are sewn into each underarm with the wrong side facing. The collarless neck is also trimmed in the red rickrack. Three (3) squares of the paisley print trimmed in red rickrack are set on point and sewn at the front waist, one at the center front flanked by the other two. Lengths of the paisley print are attached to the outer point of each side square and used as a belt that ties in the back. There is a patch pocket made of the paisley print and trimmed in red rickrack sewn at the proper right front side. The dress is not lined. There are no closures or fasteners as the loose dress is donned by slipping over the wearer's head and then tied at the waist. Two tags are sewn to the center back neck; the bottom tag is a white fabric label with handwritten ink text reading "CD 245" above brown printed text reading "Palace Costume Co."; the top tag is a white fabric label with a barcode adhered to the center front with text above the barcode reading "PALACE COSTUME CO." and text below the barcode reading "37158666".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Film

Literature

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.184.1.1

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

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, 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

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

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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

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

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

Valvo, Carmen Marc, American, born 1953

Worn by

Davis, Viola, American, born 1965

Medium

silk faille, silk chiffon, silk satin, synthetic tulle, glass beads, and metal fasteners

Dimensions

H x W x D (flat): 62 1/4 × 73 × 3 1/2 in. (158.1 × 185.4 × 8.9 cm)

Type

gowns

Place used

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

Date

2015

Description

This ivory silk faille gown with black beaded details designed by Carmen Marc Valvo was worn by Viola Davis to the 2015 Emmy Awards ceremony. The dress is sleeveless with a high, round neckline and a full, floor-length skirt. The bodice of the dress is fitted through the natural waistline through shaping, there is no waist seam. Hand-beaded embellishment using black bugle beads to form fern leaves is done in a wide band around the waist, with some leaves reaching up just below the bust line above the heaviest concentration of beading at the waist. Below the waist are smaller beaded embellishments of the same fern leaves in small clusters or leaves that appear to fall and float down the body of the skirt, with the lowest beaded elements approximately twelve (12) inches above the hem. The dress closes at the center back with an invisible ivory metal zipper and one (1) metal hook-and-eye above the zipper.

The dress is double-lined in ivory silk chiffon and ivory silk satin that is attached around all of the bodice seams, and extends with no waist seam to the hem of the skirt. The chiffon is also sewn into the center back seam of the skirt. Heavy white tulle, likely a custom addition and not original to the dress, is attached at the waist with loose basting stitches between the chiffon and satin linings. A black designer's label is sewn at the interior proper left back neck, with a size tag sewn to the bottom edge. Two (2) additional black tags with fiber content, care, and style information are sewn to the interior skirt proper left side seam of the satin lining fabric. A length of ivory thread that attaches to a small metal snap is sewn at each interior shoulder to keep bra straps in place.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Television

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Gift of Viola Davis

Object number

2016.154

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Scott, L'Wren, American, 1964 - 2014

Worn by

Oprah Winfrey, 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

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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

Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014

Worn by

Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011

Created by

Grace Costumes Inc., founded 1966

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

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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

Collins, Risë

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Dr. Shange, Ntozake, American, born 1948

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