NMAAHC Collections Search

Costume boots for the Wizard in The Wiz on Broadway, worn by Carl Hall

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Grace Costumes Inc., founded 1966
Worn by: Hall, Carl, American, died 1999
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: leather, wood, paint, and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D (left (a)): 10 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 11 in. (26.7 × 8.9 × 27.9 cm); H x W x D (right (b)): 10 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 11 in. (26.7 × 8.9 × 27.9 cm)

Type: boots

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1977

Description: This pair of white ankle-length platform boots are part of a costume worn by Carl Hall as the Wizard in the 1984 revival of "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The boots are made from leather that is painted white. They have a rounded toe and a decorative seam along the top of the toe box that extends up the front of the ankle. The boots close at the inner side of each ankle with a metal zipper that has a long shoe string knotted as a pull tab. The wooden platforms are also painted white, with the foot platform measuring 1 1/2 inches and the heel platform measuring 3 inches. Black rubber non-skid soles are adhered to the bottoms of each platform. The word "Wiz" is handwritten in black ink on the bottom of the rubber sole of the foot on both boots. "Hall" is handwritten in purple ink on the arch of the sole of both boots.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.8.4ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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., founded 1966
Worn by: Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: Gown: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, net, and metal; Petticoat: synthetic fiber; Jacket: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, sequins, rhinestones, and metal

Type: ensembles (costume)

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

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.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.10

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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., founded 1966
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: synthetic fiber, satin, velvet, net, and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form (a)): 62 1/4 × 27 1/2 × 24 in. (158.1 × 69.9 × 61 cm); H x W x D (In box (a)): 60 × 22 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (152.4 × 57.8 × 21.6 cm); L x W x D (from center back bodice with train extended (a)): 71 in. (180.3 cm); H x W x D (In box (b)): 32 × 22 × 8 in. (81.3 × 55.9 × 20.3 cm); Waist (at widest point (b)): 34 in. (86.4 cm)

Type: gowns

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: This teal and blue floor-length gown and purple petticoat are part of a costume worn by Clarice Taylor as Addaperle in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The sleeveless gown (a) has a fitted bodice and a full skirt with a ruffled hem and short train, and is decorated in a patchwork style with pieces of blue, teal, green and purple fabrics. The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered purple synthetic taffeta.; The bodice of the gown is made of teal satin synthetic fiber lined with drill. The bodice is sleeveless, fitted, and has an open scoop neck. Two (2) patches of velvet, one dark blue and one dark teal, are hand-sewn to the center front of the bodice. The interior front of the bodice has five (5) pieces of boning tape sewn lengthwise from top to waist, but the boning has been removed from all but the two outermost tapes.; The skirt of the gown is floor-length and very full, lengthening in the back with a short train. Teal satin synthetic fiber is sewn in box pleats to the bodice at the waist. The skirt has several large patches of fabric machine-sewn in a random pattern to the teal ground using a zigzag stitch. The patches are of dark blue velvet, dark teal velvet, light green satin and medium green satin. Some of the light green patches are sewn so that the wrong side of the fabric is facing out. Additionally, there are four (4) "envelopes" attached to the skirt, which are white satin rectangles with flaps trimmed in blue ribbon to look like mailing envelopes. The envelopes are only attached along the bottom and the sides, leaving the top open as a pocket. Two envelopes have Velcro closures, making them function as additional pockets. There are three (3) white gloves sewn to the skirt at the wrists and fingertips, each of which is stuffed with foam. A flounce made of medium teal synthetic fiber, trimmed at the top edge with purple velvet and at the bottom edge with purple grosgrain ribbon, is sewn along the bottom of the skirt. The skirt is not lined, but there is a net underskirt with a ruffled hem doubled over and attached across the back interior of the skirt. The interior waistband of the skirt is made of a white grosgrain ribbon that closes at the center back with a hook on the proper right back and two eyes for adjustable fit on the proper left back. A silver zipper begins below the waist of the center back skirt and ends at the top of the bodice neck. A hook-and-eye closure is sewn above the zipper at the center back neck.; The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered purple synthetic taffeta. Like the gown, it is shorter in front. Two tiers of ruffles are sewn at the hemline, each edged in synthetic net stiffener. The waistband is adjustable with hook and eye fasteners, including six (6) eyes ranging from 29 - 34" waist. As an alteration, one (1) additional eye was sewn onto the waistband at 25".

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.10.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume for Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Grace Costumes Inc., founded 1966
Worn by: Bridgewater, Dee Dee, American, born 1950
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

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)

Type: ensembles (costume)

Place used: New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

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".

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.11

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume jumpsuit for a Quadling in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Grace Costumes Inc., founded 1966
Worn by: Edmead, Wendy, American, born 1956
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

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)

Type: jump suits

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

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.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.12

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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

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)

Type: robes

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

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.

Topic: African American; 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

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume dress for Lady in Purple from for colored girls... on Broadway

Designed by: Dearing, Judy, American, 1940 - 1995
Worn by: Collins, Risë
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007; Dr. Shange, Ntozake, American, born 1948

Medium: synthetic satin and crepe with metal closures
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form): 40 3/4 × 17 × 14 1/2 in. (103.5 × 43.2 × 36.8 cm)

Type: dresses

Place used: New York City, Manhattan County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1976-1978

Description: Sleeveless dress costume for the character Lady in Purple from the original Broadway production of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." The dress is made from purple satin synthetic fabric with the crepe finished wrong side facing. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline, scooped back, and front shaping with princess darts, ending at the natural waistline. The neckline and armholes are edged with the purple satin, with the shiny satin side facing. There is a length of self-fabric piping around the waist, again with the shiny satin side facing. The full circle skirt falls at the knee and is hemmed with a chain stitch in purple thread that is covered with serged stitching in pink thread. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper, with two (2) small metal hook-and-eye fasteners, one at the top of the back and the second at the waist. There is a length of cream grosgrain ribbon sewn to the interior proper right and left back waist with a single metal hook-and-eye closure on the ends of the ribbon. The bodice is lined with purple synthetic satin, while the skirt is not lined. There are two (2) male metal snaps, one at each front armhole interior, sewn over the seam of the bust dart; there is no evidence of the corresponding female sides of these snaps.

Topic: African American; Actors; Broadway Theatre; Clothing and dress; Costume; Poetry; Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.36

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume dress and belt for Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Worn by: Mills, Stephanie, American, born 1957
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: cotton, lace, ribbon, plastic, elastic, and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form (ab)): 32 1/2 × 20 × 18 3/4 in. (82.6 × 50.8 × 47.6 cm); H x W x D (Flat (b)): 1 5/8 × 10 1/2 × 9 1/2 in. (4.1 × 26.7 × 24.1 cm)

Type: dresses; belts (costume accessories)

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: This dress and belt were worn by Stephanie Mills as Dorothy in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The short-sleeved off-white cotton dress (a) falls just above the knee and has a circle skirt with a flounce. The v-neck bodice has bust darts and ends at the natural waistline. The neck opening is outlined with decorative, machine-made, off-white lace that has a central ladder design bordered by flowers. Two (2) rows of this lace continue down the center-front of the bodice to the waist. Red grosgrain ribbon is woven into the middle of the lace. The full, pouf sleeves are elbow-length and have thin elastic strips sewn inside the hem, creating gathered cuffs. Each cuff is bordered with machine-made, off-white lace that has a design of large circles bordered by smaller circles, through which red grosgrain ribbon has been woven. Lace flounces with a floral design are sewn into the hem of each cuff and hang 2 3/4 inches below the sleeve.; The skirt is heavily gathered at the waist, creating a very full skirt. A 5 1/2-inch flounce with box pleats is sewn around the hem. Above this flounce is a strip of the same lace as on the bodice, also with red grosgrain ribbon woven through the center of the lace. Above the decorative lace and ribbon are two pin tucks. The dress closes at the center back with five (5) off-white plastic buttons. The bottom button is different than the others, and may be a replacement. A single hook-and-eye closure is placed at the interior center back waistline. The back of the skirt is open with no apparent closure method.; The belt (b) is made of a shiny red plastic, and has a square metal buckle faced in the red plastic.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.6ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume for Tin Man in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Nihda, Fred, 1931 - 1997
Worn by: Haynes, Tiger, American, 1914 - 1994
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Type: ensembles (costume)

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: This costume was worn by Tiger Haynes as Tin Man in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. It consists of a headpiece (.1.1), cuirass (.1.2), left arm and right arm armor and arm harness (.1.3abc), left leg armor (.1.4), right leg armor (.1.5), shoes (.2ab), union suit (.3), and prop oil can (.4).

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; 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: 2007.3.7

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume oil can prop güira for Tin Man in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Nihda, Fred, 1931 - 1997
Used by: Haynes, Tiger, American, 1914 - 1994
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 12 1/2 × 3 3/4 × 2 in. (31.8 × 9.5 × 5.1 cm)

Type: güiros

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: This oil can güira prop is part of a costume used by Tiger Haynes as Tin Man in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. It is a cylindrical tube of sheet metal with cone-shaped pieces soldered onto each long end. A rectangular hammered metal handle is nailed lengthwise to the join of the cylinder with nails. The bottom third of the cylinder has a series of hammered raised dots. When used as a percussive instrument, called a güira, these dots are scraped using a comb-like metal device to create sound.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; 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: 2007.3.7.4

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume; Musical Instruments
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume for the Wizard in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Grace Costumes Inc., founded 1966
Worn by: De Shields, André, American, born 1946
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: Jumpsuit (.1): synthetic fiber, rhinestones, and Velcro™; Cape (.2): synthetic fiber, fur, sequins, and rhinestones; Headpiece (.3): synthetic fiber, batting, rhinestones, and Velcro™; Boots (.4): leather, wood, paint, and metal

Type: ensembles (costume)

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: This costume is comprised of four (4) pieces, a jumpsuit (.1), a cape (.2), a headpiece (.3), and a pair of boots (.4ab) worn by André De Shields as The Wizard in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.8

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume gown and petticoat for Evillene in The Wiz on Broadway

Designed by: Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by: Grace Costumes Inc., founded 1966
Worn by: King, Mabel, American, 1932 - 1999
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: synthetic fiber, taffeta, velvet, net, cotton, yarn, plastic, passementerie, rhinestones, wire, feathers, metal, and elastic
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form (ab)): 66 × 41 × 51 in. (167.6 × 104.1 × 129.5 cm); H x W x D (On form (b)): 45 × 33 × 33 in. (114.3 × 83.8 × 83.8 cm)

Type: petticoats; gowns

Place used: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1975

Description: This gown and petticoat are part of a costume worn by Mabel King as Evillene in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The floor-length gown (a) is made from a black synthetic fiber and has a bejeweled open-neck bodice, puffed sleeves, decorative eyes covering the bosom, and a very full skirt with a purple and deep rose ruffled trim and a slight train. The petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered black synthetic taffeta.; The bodice of the dress has a sweetheart neckline, with two (2) thick shoulder straps edged with black velvet. A triangular panel of brown net is attached at the center front bodice, wrapping around the neck to the proper back. This net is decorated with red and black rhinestones, black tape with beaded fringe, gold beaded paillettes, and a single black beaded bobble at the center front. Affixed to the front of the bodice are two (2) large eyes with eyelids and eyelashes. The eyes are made of clear hard plastic, lined with undyed muslin. At the center of each eye, between the muslin and the plastic, a black plastic disk is attached depicting the pupil, and a red rhinestone is sewn to the inside corner of each eye, depicting the tear duct. The bottoms of the eyes are edged with black velvet ribbon. The eyelids are made of black spandex, edged with black plastic eyelashes. Fishing line is attached at the center bottom of each eyelid and strung throught the velvet eyeball edging and under the dress's black velvet waistband. Below the waistband are short lengths black nylon braid with pom-poms attached at the end; when these pom-poms are pulled, the eyelids close partially over the eyeballs.; Each sleeve is made of multiple layers of black tulle gathered into a large puff and ending at the elbow. The sleeves are attached to the bodice at the front and back underarm, left open to reveal the shoulders. The sleeves are attached with elastic black cord at the top of each shoulder. Two black yarn pom-poms attach to each sleeve at the top of the shoulder. Between the pom-poms on the proper right sleeve are two brown and black marbled feather quills, which have the appearance of once having been longer plumes that broke off.; The waist of the dress has a wide band of black velvet, which closes over the center back zipper using snaps and hook-and-eyes. The skirt is made of several panels of black synthetic fiber. Black velvet ribbon is stitched over the seams of the panels on the exterior of the skirt. Two wide ruffled panels are sewn around the hem of the skirt. The top ruffle is made of a purple synthetic fabric with a metallic sheen, and the bottom ruffle is made of a rose synthetic taffeta. Synthetic net stiffener is sewn to the top and bottom edges of both ruffles. Black yarn pom-poms are attached around the black portion of the skirt at regular intervals, increasing in size from the waist to the hem.; The entire interior of the bodice is lined with cream drill, and boning tape is sewn at regular intervals. A pocket of black synthetic fabric is sewn in the center front interior and over the interior proper left breast to hold the wearer's microphone. The interior waist has a length of black grograin ribbon that attaches at the center back with a single hook-and-eye. 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 petticoat (b) is made of a multi-layered black 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 of the petticoat attaches with hook-and-eyes. There are five (5) eyes on the exterior back left waist, one (1) eye on the exterior right side waist, and three (3) hooks on the interior back right waist for an adjustable fit. Two lengths of black twill tape are sewn as loops at each side.

Topic: African American; Actors; Clothing and dress; Costume; Musical Theatre

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number: 2007.3.9ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Black satin dress with hand-shaped decoration designed by Peter Davy

Designed by: Davy, Peter, Vincentian, 1944 - 1990
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: spandex satin, net, sequins, and beads, with metal and plastic zipper
Dimensions: H x W x D (flat): 58 5/8 × 18 3/4 × 15/16 in. (148.9 × 47.6 × 2.4 cm); H x W x D (on form): 58 × 18 × 12 1/2 in. (147.3 × 33 × 31.8 cm)

Type: dresses

Place made: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1985-1990

Description: A black spandex satin dress with a hand-shaped cut-out decoration designed by Peter Davy. The dress has a sweetheart neckline in the front and a plunging V-neck at the back, and one shoulder strap on the proper right side. The bodice is fitted and the skirt is straight with a thigh-high slit at the proper left front side. The stomach and waist of the dress has a large oval cut-out reaching from the proper left front around the proper right side and ending at the proper left back made from light brown net fabric. A black satin hand is sewn at the proper right side seam of the cut-out with the fingers outstretched and reaching toward the proper left side. The hand is bordered with a line of black sequins and beads, with all-over black sequins and beading on the hand and bright red sequins and beads on each fingernail to mimic red nail polish. Three (3) small red sequin and beaded leaves are sewn at the bottom proper left side of the cut-out. The cut-out is trimmed in a band of black sequins, as are the neckline and the proper right strap. An undulating line of the small red sequin and beaded leaves begins at the top of the shoulder strap and extends down the back side of the strap, ending at the center back. Four (4) strands of fringe made from small round black beads each ending in a large flat round black sequin are sewn at the shoulder seam of the strap. Lengths of this same style of beaded and sequin fringe are sewn along the sides of the slit in the skirt, thirty (30) in total. The dress closes at the proper left side with a black metal and plastic zipper.; The dress is lined in black synthetic fabric only at the bodice above the cut-out section. Boning is sewn between the facing and the lining at each center front side. Black hanger loops are sewn at each interior side seam. A white fabric label with black printed text is sewn at the interior proper left back side that reads, "An Original / by / Peter Davy" with three (3) black diamonds down the proper left side of the label.

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: 2007.3.102

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

Red dress with ruffled collar designed by Peter Davy

Designed by: Davy, Peter, Vincentian, 1944 - 1990
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium: synthetic organza, synthetic satin, synthetic lace, sequins, and beads, with metal and plastic fasteners
Dimensions: H x W x D (flat): 58 3/4 × 24 × 6 in. (149.2 × 61 × 15.2 cm)

Type: dresses

Place made: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1985-1990

Description: A red organza and satin dress with a ruffled collar and lace, bead, and sequin embellishments designed by Peter Davy. The body of the dress is made from red satin overlaid in red organza. The bodice of the dress has a low-cut straight front neckline and a high back neckline. A panel similar to a stomacher is sewn at the front bodice, ending in a point at the waist, made from white satin fabric overlaid in red net floral lace decorated in red sequins and beads. A pleated ruffle made from the red organza borders the stomacher panel and continues over the shoulders and around the high back neck. A panel of the white satin overlaid in red lace with sequin and beading decoration is sewn across the back neck to make a standing collar, with the organza ruffle extending above it. The dress is fitted through the bodice with a sheath skirt that has a thigh-high slit at the proper left front. A paillette made from white synthetic knit fabric overlaid in red net floral lace and decorated with red sequins and beads is sewn above the slit. The full-length sleeves are made from the sheer red organza. The tapered cuffs of each sleeve are embellished with white synthetic knit fabric overlaid in red net floral lace, which is decorated with red sequins and beads. The dress closes at the center back with a red metal and plastic zipper. One (1) metal snap is attached at the center back to join the sides of the organza ruffle.; The dress is not lined. White hanger loops are sewn at each interior shoulder seam. Red net encased in the red organza is gathered and sewn at the interior of each sleeve shoulder seam. The interior hem and skirt slit are trimmed in red floral lace. A white fabric label with black printed text is sewn at the interior proper right back side that reads, "An Original / by / Peter Davy" with three (3) black diamonds down the proper left side of the label.

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: 2007.3.103

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

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

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)

Type: dresses

Place made: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1985-1990

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.

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: 2007.3.104

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

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

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)

Type: dresses

Place made: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1985-1990

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.

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: 2007.3.107

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

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

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)

Type: coats

Place made: New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1970s

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.

Topic: African American; 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

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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

Evening coat made by Louvenia Price

Created by: Price, Louvenia, American, 1857 - 1935
Subject of: Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

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)

Type: evening coats

Place made: Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1870-1900

Caption: This wearable work of art was handed down to the maker's descendants. Louvenia Price, who was born enslaved, continued to work as a seamstress after she was emancipated. Price made this cape for her own use.
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.

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Emancipation; Fashion; Freedom; Slavery; 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

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; 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: 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

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