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Your search found 91 result(s).
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  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Culottes designed by Arthur McGee

    Designed by
    Arthur McGee, American, 1933 - 2019
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    mid 20th-late 20th century
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    Medium
    wool with metal zipper and plastic button
    Dimensions
    L x W: 32 1/2 × 64 in. (82.6 × 162.6 cm)
    H x W x D (on form): 29 3/4 × 24 × 21 1/2 in. (75.6 × 61 × 54.6 cm)
    Description
    Culottes designed by Arthur McGee, also referred to as a split skirt, palazzo pant, or midi pants. The pants are a 4-panel design made from a multiweave brown and blue plaid wool fabric. The pant legs are very wide, forming a full half-circle when laid flat. The culottes have two (2) pockets, one at each hip, lined with a gray fabric. The culottes fasten with a brown metal zipper at center back and one (1) plastic tortoiseshell button fastener at the center waistband. The culottes are unlined, and are machine-sewn.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    trousers
    Topic
    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
    2007.3.51
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd510ab880a-c2f7-4e5f-8103-9373108d69bf
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Dress sewn by Rosa Parks

    Created by
    Rosa Parks, American, 1913 - 2005
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1955 - 1956
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    synthetic fiber and metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 47 1/2 × 16 3/4 × 1 1/4 in. (120.7 × 42.5 × 3.2 cm)
    Chest: 40 in. (101.6 cm)
    Waist: 28 1/4 in. (71.8 cm)
    Hem circumference: 78 in. (198.1 cm)
    Belt: 2 3/4 × 33 1/4 × 3/8 in. (7 × 84.5 × 1 cm)
    Description
    This dress (a) is a wrap style made from a plain weave viscose fabric with a printed design of dark brown and yellow flowers and leaves. The wrap effect is achieved by crossing the front bodice at the waist seam and gathered fabric on the proper left side of the waist. The skirt is flaired with six (6) gores and three pleats in the skirt at the center front add further to the wrap effect. The set-in full length sleeves are gathered at a 1 1/4" cuff that closes with two metal snaps. The dress has a small shawl collar and a v-neck. The dress closes at the proper left side waist with a zipper. It is unlined, and the seams are pressed open with raw edges exposed. It is machine-sewn except for the hem, which is turned up 2 inches and hand stitched. There are two belt loops made of a thin yellow braid, one at each side seam, which hold the accompanying belt (b) in place.
    The belt (b) is made from the same fashion fabric as the dress, with a plain weave beige fabric backing. The front and back of the belt are machine stitched around the edge, and a layer of interfacing beteen them provides some stiffening. The belt has an oval-shaped metal single-prong buckle covered in the dark brown and yellow floral fabric, and five (5) white grommets on the opposite end of the belt for an adjustable closure.
    Place made
    Montgomery, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Movement
    Civil Rights Movement
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    American South
    Civil rights
    Clothing and dress
    Resistance
    Segregation
    U.S. History, 1953-1961
    Urban life
    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
    2007.3.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ad115fb9-8591-47e8-b052-f35fdafbb604
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Evening coat from the collection of Lucy Louvenia Cordice

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Cordice, Lucy Louvenia, American, 1915 - 1995
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1870-1900
    Medium
    silk velvet, silk satin, fur, and metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (On Form): 54 × 26 × 19 1/2 in. (137.2 × 66 × 49.5 cm)
    H x W x D (In box): 52 × 22 × 6 in. (132.1 × 55.9 × 15.2 cm)
    Description
    This mid-calf length evening coat is made of a deep teal silk velvet with brown fur cuffs and a black silk satin lining. A decorative black silk cord is sewn to the exterior of the garment to form swirls, floral motifs, feather motifs, and other designs popular in the late Victorian period. The sleeves begin near the wearer's elbow, creating a cape-like silhouette from the proper front. The coat closes along the proper center front with a series of hook-and-eye closures, with the hooks and the eyes alternating along the proper left and proper right sides of the opening. The proper back is shaped to accommodate a large bustle. The band collar also contains applied braid designs, and closes at the proper front neck with two (2) hook-and-eye closures. The interior fabric is quilted in a diagonal pattern, but the quilting does not show through to the exterior of the garment. There is one set-in pocket on the proper left front of the interior. Attached at the center back of the interior are two accordion-like fabric pieces and two long black ribbons, likely used to adjust the fit at the waist line and to secure the coat to the wearer's body.
    Place used
    Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    evening coats
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Craftsmanship
    Fashion
    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
    2007.3.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d23e2382-ef3e-4ff1-847e-f6f5cb5b0ecb
  • Costume gown, petticoat, and jacket for Addaperle in The Wiz on Broadway

    Designed by
    Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
    Created by
    Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961
    Worn by
    Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1975
    Medium
    Gown: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, net, and metal
    Petticoat: synthetic fiber
    Jacket: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, sequins, rhinestones, and metal
    Description
    This costume is comprised of three (3) pieces, a teal and blue gown, a petticoat, and a matching jacket worn by Clarice Taylor as Addaperle in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway.
    Place used
    New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    ensembles (costume)
    Topic
    Actors
    Clothing and dress
    Costume
    Musical Theatre
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
    Object number
    2007.3.10
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5960aea13-1a92-4e9c-8050-544fcdd5d0ac
  • Costume gown and petticoat for Addaperle in The Wiz on Broadway

    Designed by
    Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
    Worn by
    Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011
    Created by
    Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1975
    Medium
    synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, net, and metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (On form (a)): 62 1/4 × 27 1/2 × 24 in. (158.1 × 69.9 × 61 cm)
    H x W x D (In box (a)): 60 × 22 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (152.4 × 57.8 × 21.6 cm)
    L x W x D (from center back bodice with train extended (a)): 71 in. (180.3 cm)
    H x W x D (In box (b)): 32 × 22 × 8 in. (81.3 × 55.9 × 20.3 cm)
    Waist (at widest point (b)): 34 in. (86.4 cm)
    Description
    This teal and blue floor-length gown and purple petticoat are part of a costume worn by Clarice Taylor as Addaperle in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The sleeveless gown (a) has a fitted bodice and a full skirt with a ruffled hem and short train, and is decorated in a patchwork style with pieces of blue, teal, green and purple fabrics. The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered purple synthetic taffeta.
    The bodice of the gown is made of teal satin synthetic fiber lined with drill. The bodice is sleeveless, fitted, and has an open scoop neck. Two (2) patches of velvet, one dark blue and one dark teal, are hand-sewn to the center front of the bodice. The interior front of the bodice has five (5) pieces of boning tape sewn lengthwise from top to waist, but the boning has been removed from all but the two outermost tapes.
    The skirt of the gown is floor-length and very full, lengthening in the back with a short train. Teal satin synthetic fiber is sewn in box pleats to the bodice at the waist. The skirt has several large patches of fabric machine-sewn in a random pattern to the teal ground using a zigzag stitch. The patches are of dark blue velvet, dark teal velvet, light green satin and medium green satin. Some of the light green patches are sewn so that the wrong side of the fabric is facing out. Additionally, there are four (4) "envelopes" attached to the skirt, which are white satin rectangles with flaps trimmed in blue ribbon to look like mailing envelopes. The envelopes are only attached along the bottom and the sides, leaving the top open as a pocket. Two envelopes have Velcro closures, making them function as additional pockets. There are three (3) white gloves sewn to the skirt at the wrists and fingertips, each of which is stuffed with foam. A flounce made of medium teal synthetic fiber, trimmed at the top edge with purple velvet and at the bottom edge with purple grosgrain ribbon, is sewn along the bottom of the skirt. The skirt is not lined, but there is a net underskirt with a ruffled hem doubled over and attached across the back interior of the skirt. The interior waistband of the skirt is made of a white grosgrain ribbon that closes at the center back with a hook on the proper right back and two eyes for adjustable fit on the proper left back. A silver zipper begins below the waist of the center back skirt and ends at the top of the bodice neck. A hook-and-eye closure is sewn above the zipper at the center back neck.
    The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered purple synthetic taffeta. Like the gown, it is shorter in front. Two tiers of ruffles are sewn at the hemline, each edged in synthetic net stiffener. The waistband is adjustable with hook and eye fasteners, including six (6) eyes ranging from 29 - 34" waist. As an alteration, one (1) additional eye was sewn onto the waistband at 25".
    Place used
    New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    gowns
    Topic
    Actors
    Clothing and dress
    Costume
    Musical Theatre
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
    Object number
    2007.3.10.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd540575e12-5f1a-402b-9c8d-c32af5c46968
  • Black and silver drop waist dress with ruffle details designed by Peter Davy

    Designed by
    Davy, Peter, Vincentian, 1944 - 1990
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1985-1990
    Medium
    synthetic velvet, lamé, synthetic net, and synthetic knit fiber, with metal and plastic zipper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (flat): 54 1/4 × 27 × 4 in. (137.8 × 68.6 × 10.2 cm)
    H x W x D (on form): 55 1/2 × 26 × 15 3/4 in. (141 × 37.5 × 40 cm)
    Description
    A black and silver dress with silver lamé ruffle details designed by Peter Davy. The strapless bodice is made from black velvet. It has a sweetheart neckline and a dropped waistline. The bodice is shaped and fitted, including at the natural waist and hips. Accordion pleated silver lamé ruffles are sewn around the top of the bodice and around the waistline. The full, floor-length skirt is gathered at the waistline and is made from black synthetic fabric overlaid with black net lace with an all-over pattern of small silver lamé dots. The dress closes at the center back with a black metal and plastic zipper.
    The bodice of the dress is lined in black knit synthetic fabric. Boning is sewn between the facing and lining of the bodice at each front side, each side, and each back side, making six (6) pieces in total. The skirt is not lined. Black hanger loops are sewn at the interior bodice at each side. There are no labels in the dress.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    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
    2007.3.104
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5daa29e4e-da83-4efa-a57c-67729e3395b2
  • Brown crepe dress with metallic embellishments designed by Peter Davy.

    Designed by
    Davy, Peter, Vincentian, 1944 - 1990
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1985-1990
    Medium
    crepe, synthetic fiber, and sequins, with metal and plastic zipper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (flat): 55 3/4 × 23 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (141.6 × 59.7 × 3.8 cm)
    Description
    A chocolate brown crepe dress with metallic embellishments designed by Peter Davy. The dress has a high, rounded neckline, full-length blousy sleeves with fitted cuffs, and a straight skirt falling below the knee with a high slit at the center back. The body is made from a double-layer of brown crepe, while the sleeves are made from a single layer of the crepe. Pieces of metallic copper and black synthetic fabric trimmed in gold sequins are sewn around the neck opening, at each fitted cuff, along the proper left front near the sleeve opening, and in an undulating line that begins at the proper right front side sleeve seam and extends diagonally across the body to the proper left front hip. Rays of the copper fabric emanate from below the undulating line, getting progressively longer moving from proper right to proper left across the front skirt. The dress closes at the center back with a gray metal and plastic zipper.
    The dress is not lined and there are no labels.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    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
    2007.3.107
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51cbd2ef4-c0d4-49e7-9719-4d5a9ba5f05c
  • Costume for Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz on Broadway

    Designed by
    Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
    Created by
    Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961
    Worn by
    Bridgewater, Dee Dee, American, born 1950
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1975
    Medium
    Dress: synthetic fiber, net (textile), and chiffon
    Headdress: synthetic fiber, straw, wire, rhinestones, and metal
    Dimensions
    On form - dress with train (a) with hat (b): 92 × 50 × 28 in. (233.7 × 127 × 71.1 cm)
    Description
    This costume is comprised of two (2) pieces, a gown and an accompanying headdress, worn by Dee Dee Bridgewater as the character Glinda in the Broadway production of "The Wiz".
    Place used
    New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    ensembles (costume)
    Topic
    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
    2007.3.11
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5981bfebf-bdc2-4ca3-b3e6-470e79773fc9
  • Costume jumpsuit for a Quadling in The Wiz on Broadway

    Designed by
    Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
    Created by
    Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961
    Worn by
    Edmead, Wendy, American, born 1956
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1975
    Medium
    chiffon, crepe, muslin, passementerie, metal, and elastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (In box): 59 × 22 1/2 × 2 3/4 in. (149.9 × 57.2 × 7 cm)
    H x W x D (On form): 61 × 28 × 15 1/2 in. (154.9 × 71.1 × 39.4 cm)
    Description
    This jumpsuit is part of a costume worn by Wendy Edmead as a Quadling in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The jumpsuit is made from a diaphanous, coral-colored synthetic fabric. The bodice of the jumpsuit and its lower section attach only at the center front, leaving exposed the sides of the wearer's stomach and lower back.
    The bodice of the jumpsuit is made of a coral crepe synthetic fiber that is covered in pleated coral chiffon synthetic fiber. The full length sleeves are made of the same coral chiffon fabric, which has been ironed into an accordian pleat and cut in a flared trumpet shape. Elastic loops are attached to the wrist area of each sleeve. The bodice is lined in plain muslin, and closes at the center back with a zipper and a hook-and-eye closure at the neck.
    On the lower section of the jumpsuit, coral chiffon synthetic fiber attaches at the waist and reaches to the ankles to form wide-legged, accordian-pleated pants. There is a bikini bottom attached to the waistband. The bikini bottom is a coral crepe synthetic fiber on the recto, lined in plain muslin on the verso, and has an open crotch. This lower section of the jumpsuit closes at the center back with a zipper and a hook-and-eye closure at the waist. A length of coral tape is sewn in a loop at the interior proper left and proper right sides.
    Coral passementerie is sewn to the bottom edge of the bodice, forming an x at the center front attachment, and continuing along the top edge of the pants. Two (2) metal discs, each stamped with a head in profile and surrounded by a circle of five-pointed stars, are sewn to the top and bottom of the x and at the center front attachment. Coral tasseled fringe is sewn along the collar line of the bodice and at the hip line of the lower section of the jumpsuit, below the passementerie decoration. Stamped metal discs are sewn all along the fringe at the collar and the hip.
    Place used
    New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    jump suits
    Topic
    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
    2007.3.12
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5da928505-9f7d-457a-b49a-ea29d5bdf2d2
  • Black patent leather handbag used by Precola DeVore Parks

    Manufactured by
    Palizzio, Inc., American, founded 1943
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Used by
    DeVore Parks, Precola, American, 1925 - 1997
    Date
    mid 20th century
    Medium
    patent leather, suede, satin, and metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 7 × 10 × 1 1/2 in. (17.8 × 25.4 × 3.8 cm)
    Description
    Black patent leather and suede handbag used by Precola DeVore Parks.
    The body of the handbag is rectangular in shape with rounded corners. The top half of the front of the bag is black suede. There is a small black leather bow in the center. There are two small leather stripes below the bow, with black metal eyelets on either end of the stripes. The bottom half of the front of the bag is black patent leather. The leather stars on the front flap. The flap goes 2/3 down the front of the bag. There is a half-circle at the bottom center of the flap.
    The top of the bag has two gold colored metal pieces where the leather strap is supposed to attach. The strap is attached on the proper right side but has become unattached on the proper left side. The front flap opens up. There is a gold circle with a small peg on the reverse side of the half circle. There is a gold oval with a small hole near the bottom of the bag where the front flap connects. The body of the handbag is patent leather. The inside of the bag is lined in black satin. There are two zipper pockets and the sides of the bag fold like an accordion. There is gold text near one of the pockets which reads [palizzio]. The accordion folds can be seen on the outside of the bag down the sides and along the bottom.
    The leather has some scratches and areas where the color is missing.
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    bags (costume accessories)
    Topic
    Beauty culture
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    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
    2007.3.135
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5cbd04dc9-47cf-46ad-8ceb-ee5c78e0e443
  • High-heeled shoes worn by Ethel Waters

    Created by
    Weitzman, Seymour
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Worn by
    Waters, Ethel, American, 1896 - 1977
    Date
    mid 20th century
    Medium
    satin, leather, beads, graphite on suede, rubber, and thread
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (a): 5 1/2 × 3 × 8 in. (14 × 7.6 × 20.3 cm)
    H x W x D (b): 6 × 3 × 8 1/2 in. (15.2 × 7.6 × 21.6 cm)
    Description
    Multi-colored high heels worn by Ethel Waters. There is a label with the shoes that reads [Ethel / Waters / “Heels”].
    The satin shoes feature a watercolor-like pattern with colors such as red, various shades of purple, green, black, and yellow. The toes of the shoes come to a thin, rounded point. On the tops of each shoe there is a circular cutout and a curved design made out of black beads. On the proper right shoe the design is on the far right side, and on the proper left shoe the design is on the far left side. Both shoes are missing several black beads.
    The insides of each shoe are lined in black leather along the sides and with a white suede along the back of the heel. The insole of the shoe is made of the multicolored satin. There are gold words that read “Mr. Seymour” along the insole. The proper left shoe has writing on the white suede. The graphite writing reads [6 ½ B. 638 / 1983]. The shoes have a thin heel with a small piece of black rubber at the bottom. The outer part of the heel is multicolored satin and the inner part of the heel is tan leather. The bottom of the shoe is tan leather. The bottoms of the shoes are scratched, scuffed, and discolored.
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    pumps (shoes)
    Topic
    Beauty culture
    Clothing and dress
    Costume
    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
    2007.3.137ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ad5b94f4-e120-477a-ba5b-3066224bab39
  • High-heeled shoes worn by Pearl Bailey

    Manufactured by
    Saks Fifth Avenue, founded 1898
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Worn by
    Bailey, Pearl, American, 1918 - 1990
    Date
    mid 20th century
    Medium
    brocade, leather, ink on suede, metal, rhinestone, and rubber
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (a): 5 1/4 × 3 × 10 1/2 in. (13.3 × 7.6 × 26.7 cm)
    H x W x D (b): 5 1/4 × 3 × 10 1/2 in. (13.3 × 7.6 × 26.7 cm)
    Description
    Multi-colored floral high heels worn by Pearl Bailey. There is a label with the shoes that reads [Pearl Bailey’s / “Heels”].
    The brocade shoes feature a floral pattern with colors such as red, pink, tan, green, and black. The toes of the shoes come to a rounded point. On the tops of each shoe there is an attached v-shaped piece made out of the brocade fabric and a gold colored metal. There are three (3) gold ovular shapes with clear-colored rhinestones inside. Several of the rhinestones are missing.
    The insides of each shoe are lined in tan leather along the sides and with a tan suede along the back of the heel. The insole of the shoe is made of the multicolored floral brocade fabric. There are gold faded words that read [?S / ?TH AVENUE / ?ton Last]. Both shoes have writing on the tan leather. The ink writing is slightly faded and illegible. The shoes have a thin heel with the matching brocade fabric on the outside. The inner part of the heel has tan leather. The bottom of the shoe is tan leather. The bottoms of the shoes are scratched, scuffed, and discolored. There is some discoloration on the inside of the shoe near the heel.
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    pumps (shoes)
    Topic
    Beauty culture
    Clothing and dress
    Costume
    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
    2007.3.138ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59093589f-ef0d-4b0c-95e5-aecb53f04089
  • Blue dressing robe owned by Tiger Haynes

    Created by
    Phillips, Eva
    Worn by
    Haynes, Tiger, American, 1914 - 1994
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1975
    Medium
    robe: cotton denim, cotton terry, cord, velvet, and sequins
    tie: cotton denim
    Dimensions
    H x W (flat): 59 3/4 × 28 in. (151.8 × 71.1 cm)
    Caption
    Tiger Haynes probably used this robe backstage when he played the character Tin Man in the original 1975 Broadway production of "The Wiz: The Supersoul Musical 'Wizard of Oz.'" The Wiz opened at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway on January 5, 1975.
    Description
    Blue dressing robe made by Eva Phillips and worn by Tiger Haynes. The robe is made from blue denim and fully lined in red and white striped terry cloth. It has a shawl collar and closes at the front waist with a self-fabric tie. The full-length sleeves have folded cuffs with a more fitted additional length of the striped terry cloth extending beyond the blue cuff. The bottom fourteen (14) inches of the robe can be detached via a zipper and four (4) snaps. A self-fabric belt loop is sewn at each side waist with the tie threaded through it. The tie is sewn to the robe at the center back waist. A patch pocket with a flap closure is sewn at the proper left front waist. The word "TINMAN" is sewn in red cord onto the body of the pocket. Sewn at the proper left breast is a red velvet heart outlined in red cord. At the proper left front breast is the text "Tiger" made from red cord above a square made from metallic silver rick-rack. Inside the square is the figure of the Tin Man character from the Wiz made from silver, red, and black sequins. Below the pocket on the proper left front a ladder or railroad made from yellow cord is sewn diagonally oriented. Sewn diagonally down the proper right front in red cord below the waist is the text "Ease On Down" with an oil can made from silver rick-rack below the text. There is a white fabric label with embroidered cream and red printed text sewn at the interior center back neck that reads "AN Original BY / EVA PHILLIPS". A hanger loop made from red cord is sewn at the interior center back neck.
    Place used
    New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    robes
    Topic
    Actors
    Clothing and dress
    Men
    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
    2007.3.14
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56703670d-670d-4d07-b7da-30d8d01a3397
  • Cream fur coat similar in style to a fur coat worn in the movie Super Fly

    Designed by
    McQuay, James P., American, born 1924
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    1970s
    Medium
    fur, synthetic fiber, plastic, and elastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (Flat, in box): 41 × 22 × 4 in. (104.1 × 55.9 × 10.2 cm)
    Description
    This cream-colored fur coat with a tourmaline mink collar is similar in style to a fur coat worn by the character Georgia, played by Sheila Frazier, in the movie "Super Fly." The coat is a cream fur with a wide notched lapel collar of tourmaline mink fur. The coat has a three (3) button closure and a parallel row of three (3) decorative buttons, creating a double-breasted coat silhouette. The buttons are large, made from cream pearlized plastic, and have a smooth front. The coat closes in the front using three (3) white elastic loops attached on the edge of the proper left side. The sleeves are full length and taper toward the wrist. There are two (2) exterior set-in pockets on the proper left and proper right fronts, both lined with a gray flannel fabric. On the back of the coat, there is a large center vent, and a decorative belt at the waist made from the same cream fur as the coat body. The belt is sewn into the proper left and proper right side panel seams.
    On the interior, the coat is fully lined with a synthetic satin weave fabric. The lining fabric has a silvery gray ground with a woven design of dark brown squares. There is one (1) interior set-in pocket at the upper right edge of the proper right front side, located at the seam where the lining meets the fur. It is lined with the same fabric as the coat.
    Place made
    New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    coats
    Topic
    Blaxploitation films
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Film
    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
    2007.3.15
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52c736459-5671-4194-814e-ebfb4d2ca61e
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    Cheetah print jacket designed by Willi Smith

    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Designed by
    Smith, Willi Donnell, American, 1948 - 1987
    Date
    1969-1987
    Medium
    cotton and plastic with thread
    Dimensions
    H x W: 34 1/2 × 22 in. (87.6 × 55.9 cm)
    Description
    Cheetah print jacket designed by Willi Smith for WilliWear Limited.
    The jacket is grey with green and black cheetah print on top. The inside of the jacket does not feature the cheetah print pattern. The single breasted jacket features half cloverleaf lapels and is made of a grey fabric with green and black cheetah print design. There are six black plastic buttons going down the center on the proper right side. There is a welt pocket on each hip.
    There is a tag on the back of the jacket on the inside. The tag is black on the proper right half and white on the proper left half. The black side reads [WilliWear] in white. The white side reads [WilliSmith / Made in India] in black.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    jackets
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    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
    2007.3.153
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50ecc8873-4f3b-4d3f-8cd7-690174818c4b
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    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
    Date
    1966-1967
    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.)
    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.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5038e57d9-a7f3-44d9-9ec4-ce08fa6823cf
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    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
    Date
    1959
    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)
    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.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54f01efc1-ac3f-43ec-91c6-273016c3e386
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    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
    Date
    1958
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    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)
    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.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5401b55dd-c3ee-454e-9821-a83b4c74ab24
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    Dress designed by Ann Lowe

    Designed by
    Lowe, Ann, American, 1898 - 1981
    Subject of
    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
    Date
    ca. 1960
    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)
    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.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a539d68e-5d7f-4fb8-bad4-5eacbc8cf89c
  • 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
    Date
    1950; altered 1951
    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)
    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.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Black Fashion Museum Collection
    Classification
    Clothing-Fashion
    Type
    dresses
    shawls
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5dad4c439-22dd-46a4-971d-9bf27137031a

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National Museum of African American History and Culture
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1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

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