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  • Teal blue dress and cropped jacket designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Trevor, Florance Colgate Rumbough, American, 1927 - 2008
    Medium
    dress: silk satin, silk faille, gauze, buckram, and metal fasteners;
    jacket: silk satin, gauze, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (.1 flat): 49 1/2 × 23 in. (125.7 × 58.4 cm)
    H x W (.2 flat): 15 1/2 × 25 in. (39.4 × 63.5 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    jackets
    Date
    1950s
    Description
    Teal blue floral brocade dress (.1) and cropped jacket (.2) designed by Ann Lowe and worn by Florance Colgate Rumbough Trevor.
    The dress (.1) is made from a teal blue silk satin with an all-over brocaded medium-scale design of scattered flowers with leaves and stems in shades of pink, blue, copper, and green. The dress is strapless with a plunging V at the back of the fitted bodice. A self-fabric band is sewn across the front at the natural waist which continues down each proper side of the skirt to the hem. The skirt is nearly flat in the front but is heavily gathered into small pleats at the back. It has a slight train at the center back. Self-fabric pre-tied bows are sewn down the sides of the skirt on top of the self-fabric band, three (3) on each side. Two (2) of these bows are sewn at the center back bodice, one at the top edge and one at the waist. The dress closes at the center back bodice with a zipper and one (1) metal hook-and-eye at the top. Each of the bows snaps onto the proper left side on top of the closed zipper with one (1) metal snap each.
    The interior bodice of the dress is lined with blue silk faille. Boning is sewn between the facing and lining around the bodice. There is a thin band of elastic sewn across the front bodice outlining the breast cups. A wider band of elastic is sewn below the bust line that fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. A band of cream ribbon is sewn around the interior waist band that fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. Cream fabric hanger straps are sewn at each side of the bodice. There is a metal eye at each front side top edge above each breast, corresponding to a hook in the jacket (.2). The attached petticoat of the skirt is made from the blue silk faille and has a separate interior closure using one (1) metal snap and one (1) metal hook-and-eye, fastening inside underneath the outer zipper closure. The attached faille petticoat is lined in white buckram. The facing fabric of the skirt is lined in cream gauze that is slightly stiff, with this lining sewn into the seams with the facing fabric and separate from the inner petticoat. Circular metal weights covered in the facing fabric are sewn around the interior hem of the skirt. There are no labels in the dress.
    The cropped jacket (.2) is made from the same teal brocaded silk satin as the dress. The bottom of the jacket falls at the bust line and has a shawl collar with short sleeves. It closes at the center front below the bust using two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. A pre-tied self-fabric bow is sewn over the closure, fastening on the proper right with one (1) metal snap. The jacket is lined in the same cream gauze used to line the facing fabric of the skirt on the dress. Short straps made from the blue silk faille used to line the dress bodice with one (1) metal hook on the end are sewn at the front side, fastening to the eye sewn to the interior top edge of the dress bodice above each breast. The proper right strap of the jacket is missing. There are no labels in the jacket.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Florance Rumbough Trevor
    Object number
    2014.73.2.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Pink dress and train made by Millicent Taylor from a sketch by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Taylor, Millicent, American, 1911 - 1995
    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    a: synthetic satin, tulle, synthetic faille, plastic buckram, and metal fasteners;
    b: synthetic satin, tulle, synthetic faille, and metal hook
    Dimensions
    H x W (a flat): 53 1/2 × 70 1/2 in. (135.9 × 179.1 cm)
    H x W (b flat): 81 1/2 × 47 1/2 in. (207 × 120.7 cm)
    Type
    trains (costume components)
    evening dresses
    Date
    mid 20th-late 20th century
    Description
    Pink evening dress (a) and train (b) made by Millicent Taylor from a sketch by Ann Lowe. The dress is made from bubblegum pink satin. It has a fitted off-shoulder bodice with a short standing neck and cap sleeves. The dress is fitted to the natural waist with a floor-length full circle skirt. Two (2) bands of pink tulle are sewn across the skirt with faux roses tacked to them at intervals creating a swag look. The flowers are made from pink satin and have metallic green synthetic fabric leaves. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and three (3) hook-and-eyes. There is one (1) larger metal loop sewn above the zipper for attaching the train (b).
    The interior of the bodice is lined in pale peach synthetic faille and boning is sewn around the bodice. There is an attached petticoat made from the peach faille. Three (3) bands of cream plastic buckram are sewn around the exterior of the petticoat near the hem. The buckram also trims the inner hem of the skirt. White plastic buckram is gathered and pleated in bunches at each side waist to create pannier. Hanger loops made from white synthetic fabric are attached at each interior side waist. There are no labels.
    The train (b) is made from the same synthetic satin and is teardrop shaped with the point at the center back neck. The edges are trimmed in two rows of the pink tulle in a similar swag look to the skirt of the dress, with twelve (12) of the faux roses with leaves sewn around the swag at even intervals. The train is lined in the pale peach synthetic faille. There is one (1) large metal hook at the interior center top point for attaching the train to the back neck of the dress (a).
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.33ab
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Miniature dress inspired by First Lady Kennedy made by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    .1: synthetic taffeta, chiffon, beads, and metal fasteners;
    .2: synthetic taffeta, chiffon, and metal hook-and-eye
    Dimensions
    H x W (.1 flat): 39 × 19 1/2 in. (99.1 × 49.5 cm)
    H x W (.2 flat): 39 × 44 in. (99.1 × 111.8 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    capes (outerwear)
    Date
    late 1960s - early 1970s
    Description
    Miniature yellow dress (.1) and cape (.2) inspired by First Lady Kennedy made by Ann Lowe. The dress (.1) is made from pale yellow synthetic taffeta. It has a strapless bodice with a round neckline, a floor-length column skirt, and a sleeveless chiffon over blouse. The strapless taffeta bodice is embellished with silver bugle beads hand sewn in an all over vermicelli pattern. The over blouse made from pale yellow chiffon is attached at the taffeta waistband and is open at the center back, fastening only at the top neck and waist with metal hook-and-eyes. The dress closes at the center back with zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye. The top edge of the bodice and the skirt are lined in metallic yellow synthetic fabric. There are no labels.
    The cape (.2) is floor-length with box pleats at the center back neck and a short standing collar. There are slits at each side for the arms. It is made from the pale yellow taffeta used on the dress with a top layer of the pale yellow chiffon used for the over blouse on the dress. A self-fabric pre-tied bow is sewn at the center front neck. The cape is lined with the taffeta. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.77.1-.2
    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-Historical
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Dowd, Barbara Baldwin, American
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk, tulle, linen, metal, and elastic
    Dimensions
    Waist: 23", Length: 53", Hem: 85"
    Storage: 25.4 x 152.4 x 55.9 cm (10 x 60 x 22 in.)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1966-1967
    Description
    An ivory dress decorated with swirls of handmade fabric rose vines, designed by Ann Lowe. The variety of rose depicted on the dress is the American Beauty, which has led to it being called the "American Beauty" dress. The bodice of the dress is sleeveless, with a scoop neck front, princess seams and a deep "v" in the back reaching to the waist. The skirt of the dress has a flat front, and the skirt gathers toward the center-back waist with box pleats to create a small bustle silhouette. Green silk vines and leaves, covered in two-toned pink rose blooms and buds, begin at each front shoulder above the bust, cover both shoulders, and run along the edges of the open back bodice to the center back. On the proper right side, one (1) small vine continues below the waist and wraps around the hip to the front of the skirt. On the proper left side, two (2) longer vines continue below the waist and wrap around to the front of the skirt, the longest ending just above the hemline and wrapping all the way around to the proper right front. The dress closes up the center back with a silver zipper that begins below the center back waist and ends above the waist. Two (2) large roses in full bloom are attached at the center back waist.
    The interior of the bodice is lined with ivory fabric. In the front and back of the bodice, boning is sewn at regular intervals to provide structure and shaping. Individual breast cups are shaped into the cut of the garment. A thin piece of elastic, attached in three places at the proper left, center front and proper right, provides support underneath the bust line. Thin shoulder straps made of the same material as the lining are tacked to the interior of the outer straps. A wider elastic band is tacked at the center front and closes in the center back with two hook-and-eyes to provide further bust support. An interior waistband of cream grosgrain ribbon is tacked to the interior waistline and closes at the center back with two (2) hook-and-eyes. The interior of the skirt is lined with light cream silk knit. The skirt has one (1) petticoat, made of ivory faille and lined with heavy linen that attaches to the waist at the center back with a hook-and-eye. The bottom of the petticoat has a tulle ruffle and is edged with stiffener.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.19
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Patricia Schieffer, American
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk, satin, tulle, taffeta, linen, metal, and elastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (On form): 53 × 33 1/4 × 29 in. (134.6 × 84.5 × 73.7 cm)
    Waist: 25 1/2 in. (64.8 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1959
    Description
    A pink satin and organza dress designed by Ann Lowe. The bodice of the dress is strapless and is made of a pale pink satin. At the upper bust, pale pink organza gathers to cover the décolletage, which is decorated with cream and pale pink sequin paillettes. There is a band of bright pink satin below the organza décolletage that continues around both sides of the bodice to gather at the center back, on either side of the zipper. This bright pink satin band continues running down the back of the skirt all the way to the hemline, creating two (2) streamers. The skirt is made of pale pink satin and is cut full and round, with slightly more structure at the hips and back. A panel of pale pink organza, decorated with the same sequin paillettes as the bodice, runs down the center front of the skirt from the waist to the hem. The dress closes in the back with a zipper that runs from the top of the center back bodice to the center back below the waist. There is one (1) hook-and-eye closure at the top of the zipper. Three (3) small bows are stitched just to the proper right side of the zipper, covering the zipper when closed. A small metal snap is sewn onto the two (2) bright pink bands so that they close over the bottom of the zipper.
    The interior of the bodice is lined with pale pink fabric. In the front and back of the bodice, boning is sewn at regular intervals to provide structure and shaping. Individual breast cups are shaped into the cut of the garment. A thin piece of elastic, attached in three places at the proper left, center front and proper right, provides support underneath the bust line. A wider elastic band is tacked at the center front and closes in the center back with two hook-and-eyes to provide further bust support. An interior waistband of cream grosgrain ribbon is tacked to the interior waistline and closes at the center back. The skirt interior has two petticoats and a bustle. The innermost petticoat is made of a pale pink taffeta lined with stiff linen and hemmed with ruched pink tulle. This petticoat attaches to the waist at the center back with a hook-and-eye. The next layer of the underskirt is a pink net bustle attached along the back of the skirt. The final layer of the underskirt is the outermost petticoat, which is made of pale pink organza and has an attached ruffled hem. This outer petticoat is visible along the exposed panel of organza down the center front of the dress. There is no label in the dress.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.20
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Patricia Schieffer, American
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk, tulle, linen, metal, and elastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (On form): 54 × 33 × 29 1/2 in. (137.2 × 83.8 × 74.9 cm)
    Waist: 23 in. (58.4 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1958
    Description
    A cream silk faille dress with embroidered floral appliqué decorations designed by Ann Lowe. The dress has a bodice with cap sleeves, a scoop neck front, and a deep scoop neck back. Shaping of the bodice and waist is created with princess seams, but there is no waistline seam. The skirt is shaped round and very full, with some additional fullness at the hips. The dress is decorated throughout with machine-embroidered cream and pink flowers with green leaves. The embroidery is stitched to the dress at the neckline, the center back seam to the back waist of the bodice, and in six large sprays to the skirt at the front left, proper left, back left, back right, proper right, and front right. Two lengths of cream silk faille are pleated and attached at back waist to create streamers that reach to the hemline of the skirt. The streamers are decorated with small machine embroidered pink flowers that are basted by hand to the fabric. The dress closes with a zipper running from the top of the center back bodice to center back below the waist.
    The interior of the bodice is lined with cream fabric. In the front and back of the bodice, boning is sewn at regular intervals to provide structure and shaping. Individual breast cups are shaped into the cut of the garment. A thin piece of elastic, attached in three places at the proper left, center front and proper right, provides support underneath the bust line. A wider elastic band is tacked at the center front and closes in the center back with two hook-and-eyes to provide further bust support. An interior waistband of cream grosgrain ribbon is tacked to the interior waistline and closes at the center back. Lengths of thin elastic are sewn over the tops of the shoulders to keep the sleeves in place. The interior of the skirt is unlined and has one petticoat. The petticoat is made of a cream faille lined with heavy linen. The petticoat is hemmed with ruched cream tulle and edged with stiffener. It attaches to the waist at the center back with a hook-and-eye and a metal snap. Nylon netting is gathered and attached at the left and right interior sides as pannier-like structures undearneath the petticoat. There is no label in the dress.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.21
    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-Fashion
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk, chiffon, taffeta, net, metal, and elastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (On form): 42 1/2 × 24 × 16 1/2 in. (108 × 61 × 41.9 cm)
    Waist: 24 in. (61 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    ca. 1960
    Description
    A sleeveless black cocktail dress with handmade pink floral decorations designed by Ann Lowe. The bodice is made of black chiffon, and has a scoop neck and princess seams.
    The neckline is trimmed with a decorative vine of green satin leaves and pink satin rose buds, completed with a full-blown pink satin rose at the center front bust. The skirt consists of an underskirt of black taffeta lined with black net, covered by a tightly-pleated overskirt of black chiffon that gives the skirt fullness and movement. A green satin cummerbund waistband is accented with a pink satin and organza handmade rose in full bloom that is basted to the proper left front hip. The dress closes in the back with a zipper running from the top of the center back bodice to below the waist.
    The interior of the bodice is lined with black taffeta fabric. In the front and back of the bodice, boning is sewn at regular intervals to provide structure and shaping. Individual breast cups are shaped into the cut of the garment. A thin piece of elastic, attached in three places at the proper left, center front and proper right, provides support underneath the bust line. A wider elastic band is tacked at the center front and closes in the center back with two hook-and-eyes to provide further bust support. An interior waistband of black grosgrain ribbon is tacked to the interior waistline and closes at the center back. The black taffeta underskirt serves as the petticoat. It attaches to the waist at the center back with a hook-and-eye and a metal snap. There is no label in the dress.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.22
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Dowd, Barbara Baldwin, American
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    brocaded silk taffeta, silk chiffon, synthetic fiber, buckram, elastic and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W: 55 × 46 in. (139.7 × 116.8 cm)
    Waist: 30 in. (76.2 cm)
    Type
    evening dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1966 - 1967
    Caption
    Ann Lowe, considered one of the leading American designers of the 20th century, made beautifully embroidered and hand-stitched gowns. Born in Alabama, Lowe eventually settled in New York City where she dressed society ladies through the 1950s and 1960s. She is renowned as the designer of Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses.
    Description
    Pale green teal silk sari gown designed by Ann Lowe. The bodice is sleeveless with a scooped neckline and an empire waist. It is made from the border section of a sari featuring heavy metallic brocade in a geometric design, with the embroidered leaves from a sari border fussy cut from the fabric and sewn around the waist line, the bottom edges left loose to create a three-dimensional detail. The floor-length skirt has a flat front and is slightly gathered at the back. It is made from a sari that has an all-over design of metallic brocaded stylized leaves scattered at wide intervals with blank spaces between them. The edge of the skirt hem is trimmed in a sari border with a stylized floral and geometric metallic brocade design. Individual small metallic brocade leaves fussy cut from a larger sari fabric are sewn onto the skirt near the larger brocaded leaves of the skirt fabric. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) metal hook-and-eye. Attached along the back top edge of the bodice is a panel of the same sari fabric used on the skirt that is separate from the back of the dress, extending down to meet the hemline of the skirt. The panel is gathered and seamed along the top edge of the bodice, with a slit cut in the back bodice corresponding to the zipper closure of the dress underneath. This slit is fastened shut with two (2) metal hooks into thread loops. The side and bottom edges of the panel are trimmed in the same sari border used to trim the skirt hem. Pre-tied bows with short tails made from the sari border are sewn at each back shoulder over the top corner seams of the back panel.
    The interior bodice is lined in light blue fabric with boning sewn between the facing and lining around the bodice. Interior shoulder straps made from light pink fabric are tacked to the interior of the shoulder straps. A thin strip of elastic is tacked across the bodice outlining the breast cups. A wider band of elastic is tacked at the center front and wraps around under the bust line to fasten at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. An interior waist band made from cream ribbon is sewn at the empire waist line and fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. The skirt and the underside of the back panel are lined in light teal silk chiffon. There is an attached petticoat made from the same light blue lining material as the bodice that is lined with light weight buckram. A self-fabric pleated ruffle is sewn at the bottom of the petticoat and the bottom edge of the petticoat hem is trimmed in stiff plastic buckram. A white fabric label with black embroidered text is sewn at the center front onto the interior waist band that reads "ANN LOWE / A. F. Chantilly Inc. / NEW YORK" with a woman in a ball gown at the right side.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.23
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Dowd, Barbara Baldwin, American
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk satin, chiffon, synthetic fiber, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 55 × 30 in. (139.7 × 76.2 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1966-1967; altered 1973
    Description
    White dress with handmade flower embellishments designed by Ann Lowe. The dress is sleeveless with a scoop neck and an asymmetric waistline that is cut as an empire waist at the front and then plunges downward at the side to the natural waist at the center back. The bodice is made from layers of white chiffon with the neck and arm openings trimmed in short pleated ruffles made from the chiffon. The front of the full-length skirt is made from ivory silk satin with a brocaded monotone medium-scale design of scattered chrysanthemums with leaves and stems. The back skirt is made from ivory silk satin with the brocaded flower elements present on the front of the skirt cut out from that fabric and then sewn onto the plain satin in a scattered manner similar to the look of the front fabric. The back of the skirt is pleated at the back waist for fullness. The bottom of the skirt is embellished with handmade flowers in white satin and chiffon. The flowers include roses in various blooming stages, chrysanthemums, and other unidentified species. There are handmade white satin leaves with machine embroidered veins and interspersed within the flowers, which surround a meandering satin tube representing the stem of a vine. Some of the leaves are sewn in pairs around the waist seam. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) metal hook-and-eye.
    The interior of the bodice is lined in light weight white rayon. The skirt is lined in heavier weight white synthetic fabric. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.24
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk taffeta, silk faille, buckram, elastic, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 55 1/2 × 42 in. (141 × 106.7 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    mid-1950s
    Description
    Cream and red taffeta gown designed by Ann Lowe. The dress is sleeveless with an asymmetric neckline and a full floor-length skirt. The dress is made from cream silk taffeta with dark red taffeta accents. The bodice is fitted to the natural waist and has shoulder straps and a vertically pleated section at the proper left breast that stands slightly taller than the rest of the bodice. The skirt is a faux-wrap that is seamed to an attached petticoat down the center front, with the proper right side folding on top of the proper left side and gathered at the proper left waist. The underside of the fold is lined in dark red taffeta that shows to the facing side in the cascading folds. Two (2) very large loops lined in the dark red are gathered and attached at the proper left waist, both loops falling to the front of the dress. A pleated band of cream taffeta attaches underneath the bow and wraps around the back of the dress, ending at a point in the back with a weight sewn inside the point. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye.
    The interior of the bodice is lined in cream silk faille. Boning is sewn into the lining around the bodice. Circles of soft padding cased in the cream faille are sewn at each breast cup. A thin band of elastic is tacked across the front bodice outlining the bottom breast cups. A wider band of elastic is tacked at the center front under the bust and fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. An interior waist band support made from cream ribbon is sewn around the interior waist, fastening at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. Hanger loops made from cream ribbon are sewn at each interior side. The attached silk faille and buckram crinoline of the skirt fastens at the center back interior skirt with one (1) metal snap and one (1) metal hook-and-eye at the top of the crinoline. Both the crinoline and the skirt hem are trimmed in plastic buckram. A white fabric label with black embroidered text is sewn to the interior center front of the waist band support that reads "fashioned exclusively / at / Ann Lowe's / Gowns".
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.25
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Cammann, Nora Francke, American, 1932 - 2014
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk taffeta, silk faille, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 56 1/2 × 25 in. (143.5 × 63.5 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1950
    Description
    Pale yellow and chartreuse silk taffeta gown designed by Ann Lowe. The dress is strapless with an attached off-the-shoulder strap. It has a fitted bodice to the natural waist and a full skirt with an asymmetrical hemline. The skirt trails on the floor at the proper right side, and is shorter on the proper left side ending near the ankle. A panel of the taffeta is gathered and pleated to form the shoulder strap, which is attached at the proper left front bodice under a vertical strip of the taffeta that also serves to gather up a separate panel of pleated taffeta that is attached around the top edge of the bodice. A pre-tied self-fabric bow lined in chartreuse taffeta is sewn at the center back of the shoulder strap, which attaches to the center back of the bodice with two (2) hooks corresponding to eyes on either back side of the bodice. The waistband of the dress is made from a wide pleated piece of the yellow taffeta with an over-sized pre-tied bow attached at the proper left front side. The bow has long tails, with the loops and tails lined in the chartreuse taffeta. The skirt is pleated around the waistband for fullness. The bottom ten (10) inches of the skirt is lined with the chartreuse, which shows on the facing side within the cascading folds of the asymmetric skirt. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye.
    The interior bodice is lined in pale yellow silk faille with boning sewn around the bodice. There is a cream ribbon sewn as an interior waistband that closes at the center back with two (2) hook-and-eyes. There is an attached petticoat made from the yellow faille. It attaches separately with one (1) snap and one (1) hook-and-eye at the center back underneath the exterior zipper closure. Cream ribbon hanger loops are sewn at each interior side of the bodice. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.26
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dress and shawl designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Cammann, Nora Francke, American, 1932 - 2014
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    tulle, lace, acetate, plastic buckram, elastic, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (a flat): 50 × 65 in. (127 × 165.1 cm)
    H x W (b flat): 32 × 123 in. (81.3 × 312.4 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    shawls
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1950; altered 1951
    Description
    Strapless blue tulle and lace dress (a) with matching shawl (b) designed by Ann Lowe. The dress has a strapless fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline. It is fitted to the natural waist, then has a floor-length full skirt. The bodice is covered in layers of pleated dark blue tulle with the top neckline trimmed in dark blue floral lace with metallic gold accents. The skirt is made from three (3) layers of the tulle over a dark blue acetate underskirt. On the outer layer the tulle and four (4) wide bands of the lace alternate down the skirt in horizontal bands. There is an additional top layer of the blue tulle that is short at the center front with rounded edges that extend down along the sides and create a full train in the back in line with the hemline of the skirt. The tulle of this top layer is embellished with scattered bits of the lace appliquéd onto the tulle throughout and the edges trimmed in bands of the lace. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and two (2) hook-and-eyes.
    The interior bodice is lined with the dark blue acetate. Boning is cased in blue or black fabric and attached around the bodice. There is a thin band of black elastic tacked across the interior bodice outlining the breast cups. A wider band of white elastic is tacked at the center front under the bust line that fastens at the center back with two (2) hook-and-eyes. An interior waistband made from black ribbon is sewn around the waist and attaches at the center back with two (2) hook-and-eyes. There are hanger loops made from the blue acetate sewn at each interior front side. The undersides of the hems of the top cascading layer of tulle, the tulle and lace banded layer, and the acetate under skirt are trimmed in black plastic buckram. A cream fabric label with red printed text reading "Ann Lowe" is sewn to the interior waist band at the proper left back side.
    The shawl (b) is made from the same dark blue tulle with scattered bits of lace appliquéd onto the tulle throughout. The edges are finished with a machine picot stitch.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.27ab
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk satin, silk faille, lace, tulle, cotton, plastic trimming, elastic, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 59 1/4 × 36 in. (150.5 × 91.4 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    mid 20th century
    Description
    Ivory lace and satin evening dress designed by Ann Lowe. The dress is sleeveless with a scalloped front neck and plunging V back neckline. The skirt is floor length with a slightly ruffling hem. The dress consists of an under dress made of ivory silk faille with a thin covering of white tulle, including a thicker ruffled tulle section at the bottom of the skirt. It is hidden from the exterior by an over dress made of ivory floral net lace with ivory satin accents. It mirrors the shaping of the under dress, but is slightly longer. The lace is embellished with trim made from thin short strips of iridescent white plastic attached at the middle to white thread, with the thread sewn onto the lace outlining the floral design of the lace. The lace extends beyond the under dress around the neckline and onto the shoulder straps and upper back where it is only backed with white tulle, with the edge cut in a scallop outlining the neck and arm openings. An ivory satin ribbon is wrapped around the waistline. A band of ivory silk satin is sewn on the skirt in a diagonal that begins at the hip of the proper left side and then extends downward across the skirt near the hem of the proper right side, bisecting the lace portions of the skirt. The satin band is continuous around the front and back of the skirt. Pieces of the trim-embellished floral lace are cut so that floral elements extend onto the sides of the satin band. Two wide satin streamers are pleated and sewn at the proper left back, one at the top of the satin band and the other at the waist underneath the ribbon waistband. The top streamer reaches nearly to the hemline of the skirt, the bottom streamer extends slightly beyond the skirt hem. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye. The waist band closes separately at the center back on top of the zipper with one (1) metal snap.
    The interior bodice is lined in the ivory silk faille used for the under dress. Boning is sewn around the bodice between the faille layers. A thin band of elastic is tacked across the bodice outlining the breast cups. A wider band of elastic is tacked at the center front under the bust line that fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. An interior waistband made of ivory ribbon is sewn around the interior empire waist that closes at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. The interior of the under dress is lined in white cotton. The interior of the over dress is lined in the white tulle used to cover the under dress. The edge of the skirt hem on the over dress is trimmed in plastic buckram. Hanger loops made from the faille are sewn at each interior front side. A white fabric label with black embroidered text is sewn at the center front of the interior waistband that reads "ANN LOWE / A. F. Chantilly, Inc. / NEW YORK" with a woman in a ball gown at the right.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.28
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Marks, Jennifer Peabody, American
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk taffeta, silk organdy, passementerie, synthetic fiber, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 53 × 34 in. (134.6 × 86.4 cm)
    Type
    debutante dresses
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1966
    Description
    White taffeta and organdy debutante dress designed by Ann Lowe. The dress has a fitted sleeveless bodice with a scooped front neckline and an empire waist, and a plunging V back. The dress is fitted with shaping seams through the natural waist with a full floor-length skirt that has a deep pleat at each back side near the center. The dress is made from white silk taffeta with white pleated organdy and white floral appliqué details. The entire bodice is covered in the pleated organdy, including the shoulder straps. A row of white embroidered flower passementerie in various shapes and sizes are appliquéd around the waistline. The bottom of the skirt features three (3) flounces of pleated organdy, each with the top seam covered in a row of the white embroidered flower passementerie. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye. One small flower passementerie closes over the zipper onto the proper left with one (1) metal snap.
    The interior of the bodice is lined in the white silk taffeta, with the breast cups lined instead in a light weight nylon or rayon. A white ribbon interior waistband is sewn at the empire waist line, fastening at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eyes. The skirt is lined in white synthetic that is slightly stiff. A white fabric label with black embroidered text is sewn at the center front onto the interior waist band that reads "ANN LOWE / A. F. Chantilly, Inc. / NEW YORK" with a woman in a ball gown at the right.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.29
    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-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Miniature dress inspired by First Ladies Collection made by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk satin, synthetic fiber, passementerie, and metal zipper
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 44 1/2 × 12 in. (113 × 30.5 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Date
    late 1960s - early 1970s
    Description
    A miniature brown dress inspired by the First Ladies Collection created by Ann Lowe. The dress has a fitted bodice to the natural waist with a sweetheart neckline and full-length tapered sleeves. The skirt is full and floor-length with a train at the back. The bodice is made from light brown silk satin while the skirt is made from the same shade of light brown satin with an all-over monotone brocaded pattern of medium-scale flowers with stems and leaves. Passementerie made of embroidered bronze toned flowers are appliquéd onto the dress around the front sides of the neck, at each front side bodice, at each outer forearm sleeve, and sporadically around the front and back of the skirt. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper.
    The interior of the bodice is lined in light weight cream fabric. The skirt is lined in a medium weight ivory colored fabric. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.30
    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-Historical
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Miniature dress inspired by First Lady Hayes made by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk satin, faille, lace, sequins, beads, fringe, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 53 × 21 1/2 in. (134.6 × 54.6 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Date
    late 1960s - early 1970s
    Description
    A miniature ivory dress inspired by First Lady Hayes made by Ann Lowe. The dress is made of ivory silk satin with heavy embellishments of lace, beading, sequins, and fringe. The bodice is fitted to the natural waist with a round neckline and full-length tapered sleeves. The front bodice and neckline are embellished with ivory and metallic floral lace that is further hand decorated with faux pearl beads and metallic sequins. Panels of the lace trim the neck and outline a stomacher-type center front bodice, reaching a point at the center front waist. A single panel of lace is also sewn on the outer side of each sleeve, with the cuffs trimmed in lace. A pre-tied ivory satin bow without tails is tacked at the outer side of each cuff. The skirt is gathered and tacked down at each front side thigh to reveal a heavily embellished petticoat. Both the skirt and the petticoat have a train at the back. The passementerie decorating the petticoat is arranged in tiers and includes the same floral ivory and metallic lace used on the bodice also decorated in beads and sequins, rosettes made from ivory satin, and gold colored fringe. The bottom hem of the petticoat has rounded deep cut outs resembling petals all the way around, with a pleated ivory ruffle sewn underneath the cut outs. The top front edges of the skirt are tacked down at the waist, then folded outward and sewn down at each front side thigh with the sequined and beaded floral lace covering the seams, each piece of the lace backed in the satin and with short strands of faux pearl fringe hanging from the tips. Flowers from a larger piece of metallic floral lace have been fussy cut and then sewn in a random scattered pattern onto the skirt around the sides and back. The back of the skirt has deep pleats at the center back waist to accommodate a bustle. The hemline of the back train is slightly shorter than the hemline of the petticoat train, revealing the petal shaped cut outs and pleated ruffle hem details. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) metal hook-and-eye.
    The interior bodice is made from ivory faille and includes shoulder straps made from the faille. Some of this lining shows through underneath the lace covering the stomacher section of the bodice on the facing side. There is an underskirt made from the ivory faille seamed to the bodice lining. The petticoat is fully lined in the ivory faille. The skirt is lined in the ivory silk satin. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.31
    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-Historical
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Miniature dress inspired by First Lady Garfield made by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    silk satin, lace, silk faille, synthetic fiber, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 55 × 37 1/2 in. (139.7 × 95.3 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Date
    late 1960s - early 1970s
    Description
    Miniature taupe satin dress inspired by First Lady Garfield made by Ann Lowe. The dress has a fitted bodice with a standard collar and a faux-button front that has a keyhole above the center bust. The dress is made from taupe silk satin with cream floral lace detailing. The bodice has pre-tied taupe satin bows sewn at the center front neck, below the center of the keyhole, at the center front waist, and at each outer cuff. The keyhole is filled in with the cream floral lace and metallic floral lace is used to embellish the standard collar. Cream lace also trims the sleeve cuffs, which end with deep cut-out detailing at the hemline of the satin similar to petals. Seven (7) self-fabric covered buttons are sewn down the center front of the bodice for decoration. The skirt is full-length with a back train and a peplum. It is also made from the taupe satin. Three (3) ruffled flounces of the cream floral lace are sewn down the center front of the skirt with two (2) additional flounces trimming the front side edges of the peplum. A strip of the satin with a pre-tied bow in the middle is sewn along the top edge of each skirt flounce. A self-fabric strip pleated into ruffles is sewn along the bottom of the skirt across the back where it trains on the floor. At each front side of the bottom skirt there are two (2) deep cut-outs similar to petals like on the bottom of the sleeves. Behind them and continuing across the back is a pleated ruffle of the satin that is sewn on the underside of the skirt. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye.
    The interior bodice is lined in pink silk faille with interior shoulder straps also made from the pink faille. There is an attached interior under skirt made from the pink faille that extends nearly to the hemline of the center front portion of the skirt. The skirt and the peplum are lined in cream synthetic fabric that is light weight but slightly stiff. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.32
    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-Historical
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Miniature dress inspired by First Lady Coolidge made by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    velvet, silk, tulle, ribbon, lace, rhinestones, beads, and metal snaps
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 63 × 37 in. (160 × 94 cm)
    Type
    dresses
    Date
    late 1960s - early 1970s
    Description
    Miniature pink velvet dress inspired by First Lady Coolidge made by Ann Lowe. The dress consists of a fitted bodice with a looser over-bodice and a skirt with three (3) ruffled tiers. It is made from dusty pink velvet. The bodice is fitted with a high V-neck. The over-bodice covers it and is meant to create a blousy look. Each side of the bodice has a slit that fastens with one (1) metal snap, hidden by the over-bodice. The waistline is slightly dropped and accented by a pink ribbon covered in metallic gold lace that is beaded in turquoise and silver beads with clear rhinestones. Strands of cream faux pearl beads are strung across the center front of the band. The flounced skirt ends mid-calf. A cape made from the pink velvet is attached at each back shoulder that is long and trains on the floor, ending in a point at the center back. A loop made from the velvet is sewn by the point so it can be held up around the wrist.
    The dress, flounces, over-bodice, and cape are all lined in pale pink silk. The interior of the dress and the interior of the over-bodice also have a layer of red tulle sewn on top of the lining. The bottom ten (10) inches of the train is lined in the pink velvet rather than the pink silk. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.75
    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-Historical
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Miniature skirt inspired by First Ladies Collection made by Ann Lowe

    Created by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Medium
    synthetic satin, lace, beads, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 33 7/8 × 23 3/4 in. (86 × 60.3 cm)
    Type
    skirts
    Date
    late 1960s - early 1970s
    Description
    Miniature pink satin skirt inspired by the First Ladies Collection made by Ann Lowe. The A-line skirt has a thin waistband and extends to the floor with a short train in back. It is made from pale pink synthetic satin. A panel of cream floral net lace is sewn down the center front of the skirt and decorated with oval-shaped faux pearl beads. The skirt closes at the proper left side waist with one (1) metal hook-and-eye and one (1) metal snap. It is lined in the pink satin with a layer of tulle between the facing and lining. There are no labels.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    2007.3.76
    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-Historical
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Wedding dress designed by Ann Lowe and worn by Florance Trevor

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Worn by
    Trevor, Florance Colgate Rumbough, American, 1927 - 2008
    Medium
    silk satin, lace, gauze, buckram, tulle, and metal fasteners
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 83 × 60 in. (210.8 × 152.4 cm)
    Type
    wedding dresses
    Date
    1951
    Description
    Ivory silk satin and lace wedding dress designed by Ann Lowe and worn by Florance Colgate Rumbough Trevor. The dress has a sweetheart neckline with off-the shoulder puff sleeves. The bodice is fitted to the natural waist, and then extends into a full floor-length skirt with long train at the back. The neck opening is trimmed in ivory floral lace, with one layer extending above the silk satin top edge. The tops of the shoulders are made from the lace trim, with the puff sleeves below made from the ivory satin. The center front bodice is embellished with the ivory floral lace, which extends down the center in a triangle, ending just below the waistline in a point. Three-dimensional decorations made from flowers fussy cut from the floral lace are tacked on top of the lace and left to flutter with the breeze. The center front panel of the skirt has seven (7) tiers of ivory floral lace sewn on top of the satin, with the bottom edges left unsewn. Each front side of the skirt has an extra panel of the silk satin sewn at the side seam and extending to the front side, partially covering the edges of the lace tiers and ending at the bottom with rounded corners. These flaps are lightly tacked in places and are self-lined. Two strips made from the satin are sewn in a geometric design on each back side of the skirt near the floor for tying up the train. The dress closes at the center back with a zipper and three (3) hooks into thread loops at the top where the lace extends above the satin.
    The dress is not lined except for the center back panel of the skirt, which is lined in stiff off-white gauze. The bottom of the skirt, except the center front panel with the lace tiers, is trimmed in plastic buckram covered with ruffled off-white tulle. Wire is sewn into the lace around the tops of the shoulders to keep it in place and provide structure. There is a white fabric label with black embroidered text sewn at the interior proper left back side that reads "ANN LOWE / A. F. Chantilly, Inc. / NEW YORK" with a woman wearing a ball gown at the right side of the label.
    Topic
    African American
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    United States--Social life and customs
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Florance Rumbough Trevor
    Object number
    2014.73.1.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture