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, 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, 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

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

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

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

Created by

Unidentified

Manufactured by

India Rubber Comb Company, 1854 - 1890

Subject of

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

cotton cloth with vulcanized rubber buttons

Dimensions

H x W (flat): 53 3/4 × 29 1/4 in. (136.5 × 74.3 cm)

Type

dresses

Date

1865-1875

Description

A brown and cream striped cotton day dress from the Civil War era. The dress has a fitted collarless bodice that buttons at the center front with six (6) black vulcanized rubber buttons marked on the reverse "I.R.C. Co. / 1851. / GOODYEAR". The fitted full-length sleeves have a detail at the wrist with the fabric sewn on the bias. Self-piping is sewn at the gathered waistband, which is more heavily gathered in the back. The skirt is full with a wide hem that falls at or below the ankles. The dress is both machine and hand sewn. The bodice and sleeves are lined with a plain cotton muslin. The skirt is not lined. There is one inset pocket at the proper right hip, with the pocket made from plain cotton muslin.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Fashion

United States--Social life and customs

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

2007.3.34

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

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Slavery and Freedom

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Scott, L'Wren, American, 1964 - 2014

Worn by

Winfrey, Oprah, American, born 1954

Subject of

Harpo, Inc., American, founded 1986

Medium

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

b: silk chiffon, silk twill, and metal fasteners

Dimensions

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

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

Type

dresses

Place used

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

Date

2011

Description

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

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

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Communication

Costume

Entertainers

Fashion

Fashion design

Mass media

Television

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.7.2ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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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

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

See more items in

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

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