Illustrated by

Pious, Robert Savon, American, 1908 - 1983

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 21 7/16 × 13 3/4 in. (54.5 × 35 cm)

Type

posters

Date

1940

Caption

The American Negro Exposition took place at the Chicago Coliseum, July 4 through September 2, 1940. The event recognized two important occasions: the 75th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery and the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Featuring the contributions of African Americans to American life since 1865, the Exposition was considered the first Negro World's Fair and the first time that African Americans had the opportunity to present themselves and their stories to the world.

Description

A poster for the American Negro Exposition at the Chicago Coliseum. The image on the poster is of a male standing behind a female. They have their heads turned to their right and have their arms raised. In their right hands they are holding a book and a gear. In their left hands they are holding a document and a broken chain. The background is a pink mountain-scape with Abraham Lincoln’s face at center with a blue sky and pink clouds. Agricultural tools are at the bottom. Black text at the top center of the poster reads: [AMERICAN NEGRO EXPOSITION.] Brown text at the center of the poster reads: [1865] and [1940.] Blue text on a black background at the bottom of the poster reads: [CHICAGO COLISEUM / JULY 4 TO SEPT. 2.] Small black text at the bottom of the poster reads: [AMERICAN NEGRO EXPOSITION HEADQUARTERS, 3632 SOUTH PARKWAY, CHICAGO.]

Topic

African American

Advertising

Communities

Design

Emancipation

Festivals

United States--History--1933-1945

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Gift of Ingrid Rose in Memory of Milton M. Rose

Object number

2015.178

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Produced by

Marvel Worldwide, Inc., American, founded 1939

Created by

Park, Andy, American, born 1975

Designed by

Makovsky, Judianna, American, born 1967

Medium

Skin suit, gloves, and boots: synthetic fiber, Velcro (TM), and metal;

Muscle Suit: spandex, Lycra, polyester, and latex;

Helmet: urethane elastomer, plastic, and magnets

Dimensions

H x W (Full Costume Measurements): 75 × 23 in. (190.5 × 58.4 cm)

Type

costume

helmets

gloves

boots

bodysuits

Place made

United States, North and Central America

Date

2016

Caption

This version of Black Panther's suit was first conceptualized by Andy Park and designed by Judianna Makovsky for Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther character in the 2016 Marvel film Captain America: Civil War. Boseman donned this costume again in the first few scenes of the character's title film, Black Panther. Later in the film, Boseman's character, T'Challa, gains an upgraded panther suit courtesy of his sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright. Like the new costume designed by Ruth E. Carter, this Black Panther suit features a triangle motif, which Carter calls "the sacred geometry of Africa."

Description

Costume for the character Black Panther worn by Chadwick Boseman in the Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther movies. The costume includes five (5) parts- suit (.1abc), helmet (.2), neck covering (.3), two gloves (.4ab), and two boots (.5ab). The costume is black and dark grey, with silver markings and geometric designs imprinted in dot, triangle, and diamond motifs throughout. It is mounted on a form and stand.

.1: The body suit consists of a sleeveless farmer john style jumpsuit, a sleeved shirt piece that fits under the jumpsuit and attaches with Velcro, and a muscle under suit. The jumpsuit is black with a textured, cross-hatched design, divided into seamed sections. Around the neckline is a silver stylized panther claw necklace with eleven claws, the points facing downwards. Each of the six claws has an indented geometric design with a raised, thin line going down the center of each claw. At the back of the necklace is a silver downward facing triangle. Underneath the necklace is a dark grey, triangular piece of material with an indented diamond and triangle geometric motif at the front and at the back, the same material cut in eight diamond pieces arranged in two vertical lines down the shoulder blades. The imprinted dark grey material is also applied in bands forming a “V” pattern down the chest and back, wrapping around the hips, and forming an inverted “V” pattern down the legs and arms, and a diamond pattern at the shoulders. There are small silver pieces set around the hips.

.2: The helmet is black and in the form of a stylized panther head with pointed ears at the top, silver markings and bands of geometric designs in diamonds, triangles, and dots. It is constructed in a single piece, with magnets used to hold the sides in place.

A vertical silver line runs down the center of the top of the helmet to the forehead. Two sets of silver lines run from the back of the head to the bridge of the nose, and out above the eyes with another silver line running from the outside corner of each eye, across the nose. The eyes are silver, almond-shaped, and have a metal mesh-like appearance. There is an intricate and symmetrical diamond design at the center of the forehead and along the silver markings, which continues down the bridge of the nose. In between the two sets of silver lines is a repeating pattern of alternating triangles. Another set of silver lines run from around the ears, across the cheekbones, and down at the sides of the mouth and chin. A vertical band of dots runs from the tip of the nose to the bottom of the chin, with lines of dots forming an alternating triangle patter on either side of the chin.

At the top, the ears are outlined in silver and feature textured lines in triangle patterns in the front and outside, with a diamond design on the ridge and a smooth back interior. Under the ears and down to the temples are imprinted lines and dots forming an alternating triangle pattern. Every other alternating line has small square shaped cut outs in a repeating pattern.

The back of the helmet has two sets of black lines with dots and triangle markings that form a “V” pattern at the center, with more lines in a geometric triangle motif between the two “V” lines.

.3: The neck covering is a piece of black material with the same textured, cross-hatch design as the jumpsuit, with seamed lines forming a triangle motif throughout.

.4ab: The gloves are elbow length and made from a black fabric textured in vertical lines. At the elbow, the gloves end in a firm, smooth-textured, V-shaped black trim with a silver band in the middle and three silver, stylized panther claws on the outside of each glove. The claws face downward and have an imprinted geometric design. Velcro at the cuff attaches the gloves to the sleeve piece. At the wrists and hands are pieces of protective padding in a dark grey material inset with geometric designs in a diamond pattern. Zips at the wrist allow the hand to enter the glove. There is a hard covering on each of the fingers with small triangular cutouts near the knuckles and the center of each finger, with pieces of silver beneath the center cutouts.

.5ab: The boots are composed of a soft black fabric with textured vertical lines. The shaft of the boot slides up the calf and ends in a V-shaped cuff of harder, shiny material and attaches to the leg of the suit with velcro. There is a thick band below the cuff with short, textured diagonal lines repeating in six rows. On the back of the boot shafts, seamed bands are arranged to form a triangle motif. There is a zipper in the shaft. The foot section of the boots are composed of a fabric with a textured cross-hatch pattern. There are several bands of textured diagonal lines across the vamp with a center vertical band of an imprinted triangle motif. The toecaps have an inverted “V”-shaped pattern. The hard rubber outsole curves over the tip of the toecaps with raised shapes resembling a paw or claws.

Topic

African American

Comics and graphic novels

Costume

Costume design

Hollywood (Film)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Marvel Studios and The Walt Disney Company

Object number

2018.39.1.1abc-.5ab

Restrictions & Rights

© Marvel

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Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Céline, French, founded 1945

Worn by

Winfrey, Oprah, American, born 1954

Subject of

Harpo, Inc., American, founded 1986

Medium

.1: wool and nylon blend cloth with plastic buttons;

.2: wool and nylon blend cloth with metal fasteners

Dimensions

H x W x D ((.1-.2) on form): 39 1/4 × 23 × 11 1/2 in. (99.7 × 58.4 × 29.2 cm)

H x W x D ((.1) on form): 22 1/2 × 23 × 11 1/2 in. (57.2 × 58.4 × 29.2 cm)

H x W x D ((.2) on form): 24 3/4 × 14 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (62.9 × 36.8 × 26.7 cm)

Type

jackets

skirts

Place used

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

Date

2004

Description

This red suit, consisting of a jacket (.1) and skirt (.2), was designed by Céline and worn by Oprah Winfrey on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show that aired in September 2004. The suit is made from a red wool and nylon blend boucle fabric. The fitted jacket has a shawl collar with an open neckline and closes proper right side over left side at the center front with two (2) large round brown tortoise-shell plastic buttons with the text "CELINE" etched on them and two (2) smaller buttons of the same design. The two (2) smaller buttons cannot be seen from the facing side. Two (2) additional decorative large round buttons of the same design are sewn on the proper right side corresponding to the placement of the functioning buttons on the proper left side. The 3/4-length sleeves are cut straight and do not have cuffs. The back of the jacket has seaming and pleating for a form-fitting silhouette, though the waistband around the front and back has a slight flare. The interior of the jacket is not lined. There are two (2) red transparent plastic buttons on the interior proper left front side that are backing the large tortoiseshell buttons on the facing side for stabilization. The large buttons on the proper right side are stabilized by the smaller tortoiseshell buttons. Three (3) labels are sewn at the interior center back neck. The top label is white fabric with gray embroidered text reading "FINITION MAIN." The middle label is sewn to the bottom edge of the top label and is white fabric with gray embroidered text reading "CELINE". The bottom label is sewn to the bottom edge of the middle label and is white paper with black preprinted text and handwritten black ink text with style, size, fiber content, and care information.

The pencil skirt (.2) falls just below the knee and has an 8-inch slit at the center back. The skirt closes at the center back waist with one (1) metal hook-and-eye and a red metal invisible zipper. The skirt is not lined. There are three (3) labels sewn at the interior back to the proper left of the zipper. The top label is white fabric with gray embroidered text reading "CELINE". The next label has sizing information. Sewn to the bottom of the top label and behind the size label is a white paper label with black preprinted text and handwritten black ink text with style, size, fiber content, and care information.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Communication

Costume

Entertainers

Fashion

Fashion design

Mass media

Television

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.7.3.1-2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Dearing, Judy, American, 1940 - 1995

Medium

(a): graphite, watercolor, and pigment on paper;

(b): graphite and ink on paper, synthetic fiber, metal

Dimensions

H x W (a): 13 3/4 × 10 7/8 in. (34.9 × 27.6 cm)

H x W x D (b): 5 13/16 × 3 1/2 × 1/2 in. (14.7 × 8.9 × 1.3 cm)

Type

design drawings

Date

1995

Description

A costume design drawing by Judy Dearing for the character Annie in the musical Porgy and Bess. The drawing (a) is accompanied by a paper tag with an attached fabric swatch (b). The drawing depicts a woman standing with her left hand at her side and her right hand behind her waist. She wears a salmon colored hat with a short crown and a wide brim, with a pink and purple flower stuck into a white hatband. Her salmon colored drop-waist dress falls to her mid-calf, with a gray waistband and gray lace collar and cuffs. Her gray shoes have a short heel and a strap across the foot. She has on a beaded necklace and carries a gray handbag in her right hand. The woman and her clothing are outlined in graphite with watercolor and unidentified pigment shading. The stamp for the United Scenic Artists Local 829 is in black ink in the lower left facing corner, with Dearing's signature in black ink below the stamp. The reverse is blank.

A paper tag (b) with a salmon-colored fabric swatch stapled to it accompanies the sketch. Various notes are handwritten on the tag. The reverse is blank.

Topic

African American

Art

Costume

Costume design

Musical Theatre

Opera (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.128.5ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Scott, L'Wren, American, 1964 - 2014

Received by

Winfrey, Oprah, American, born 1954

Subject of

Harpo, Inc., American, founded 1986

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (a): 4 1/16 × 6 5/16 in. (10.3 × 16 cm)

H x W (b): 4 5/8 × 6 1/2 in. (11.7 × 16.5 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place used

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

Date

July 1, 2011

Description

A handwritten notecard (a) on personal stationery with the name "L'WREN SCOTT" printed in black ink at the center top of the front side of the paper. In the note, Scott thanks Oprah Winfrey for wearing Scott's clothing designs in the final episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The note is accompanied by an envelope (b) that is signed across the seal on the reverse by Scott.

Topic

African American

Actors

Communication

Correspondence

Entertainers

Fashion

Fashion design

Mass media

Television

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.7.8ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

synthetic fiber, plastic, and beads

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 12 in. (21.6 x 29.8 x 30.5 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A cream floral damask hat with a high round crown and a round upturned brim designed by Mae Reeves. The crown is wrapped in a scarf with a printed design in orange, pink, and gold of flowers, wide stripes, and paisleys. A cluster of red and orange beads are sewn on top of the scarf at the proper right side of the crown where the ends are gathered and hang over the edge of the brim. Heavy weight plastic net lines the interior of the crown, with green grosgrain ribbon lining the interior opening. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered to the ribbon at the interior center back.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.144

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

nylon, wool, feather, velvet

Dimensions

8 1/4 x 9 x 9 1/4 in. (21 x 22.9 x 23.5 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A red feather "lamp shade" style hat designed by Mae Reeves. The base of the hat is a blocked red felt wool form which is overlayed with feathers. Most of the feathers are dyed red, with brown pheasant feather accents interspersed throughout. There is a red/orange velvet ribbon tied around the crown of the hat in a bow on the front PR side of the hat. The interior of the crown has a band of red petersham sewn around it and there is a label for Mae's shop sewn to the petersham at the back of the hat.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.154

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

synthetic fiber, plastic, sequins, feathers, and beads

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 3/4 x 9 1/4 x 9 in. (22.2 x 23.5 x 22.9 cm)

Type

cloches

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A navy blue woven synthetic straw cloche with cream decorations designed by Mae Reeves. A large cluster of cream and light green faux flowers with pink plastic stamen is attached at each side of the hat. Triangular shaped cream paillettes with sequin centers and faux pearl bead edges are placed between the flower clusters across the front of the hat. Individual cream feathers with clear beads on the shafts of each feather extend out from the feather clusters, some covering the paillettes and others extending below the edge of the hat. The interior opening is trimmed in black grosgrain ribbon. A cream fabric tag with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered at the interior center back.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.155

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

wool felt, feathers, and adhesive

Dimensions

H x W x D: 6 x 8 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. (15.2 x 22.2 x 21.6 cm)

Type

pillboxes (hats)

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A pillbox hat made from cream wool felt covered in brown feathers designed by Mae Reeves. A cluster of feathers is attached at the proper right side, left loose to float beyond the hat. The interior opening is trimmed in black grosgrain ribbon. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered at the interior center back.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.156

Restrictions & Rights

2

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

wool felt, synthetic fiber, net, and metal button

Dimensions

H x W x D: 6 1/2 x 14 x 12 in. (16.5 x 35.6 x 30.5 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

Cream wool felt hat with white and gold embellishments designed by Mae Reeves. The hat has a low round crown and an asymmetrical brim that is shorter at the front and tilts upward on the proper right side. White synthetic net with gold metallic braid in the center is wrapped around the crown and gathered into a large pouf at the proper right side. The pouf is wrapped over the edge of the brim to the underside where it is formed into a circle with a large gold-toned oval metal button at the center. Cream veiling is attached along the back of the crown to extend beyond the brim at the back side. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered to the interior center back. A genuine wool stamp is in white ink at the interior center crown.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.157

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

raffia, silk (textile), polyester

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 3/4 x 9 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. (24.8 x 23.5 x 24.8 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A green "lamp shade" style hat designed by Mae Reeves. The body of the had is constructed of diamond shaped knots of light green raffia, which are interlocked with openings between the knots. On top of the hat and around the brim the spaces are open but on the crown of the hat there are three bands of cut shear silk woven through the openings. The three bands are light tan (top), dark green (middle) and dark tan (bottom). A label for Mae's shop is sewn to the interior back of the hat.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.158

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

Hat: synthetic fiber;

Brooch: metal and rhinestones

Dimensions

H x W x D (ab): 5 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 8 in. (14.6 × 21.6 × 20.3 cm)

H x W x D (b): 2 1/4 × 1 7/8 × 1/2 in. (5.7 × 4.8 × 1.3 cm)

Type

brooches

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A turquoise turban style hat with a gold metal and rhinestone brooch designed by Mae Reeves. The hat (a) is made from light turquoise synthetic faille that is draped like a turban with the folds sewn into place. A gold metal brooch (b) with green and clear rhinestones forming a leafy cluster is pinned at the proper left front. The interior is lined in the same fabric with a cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" adhered to the interior center back.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.160ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

raffia, net, and synthetic fiber

Dimensions

H x W x D: 5 1/4 x 17 1/2 x 17 in. (13.3 x 44.5 x 43.2 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A black braided raffia hat with brown net and black faux flower embellishments designed by Mae Reeves. The hat has a low round crown and a wide round brim made from braided black raffia. Dark brown net is sewn around the bottom edge of the brim, then wrapped over and loosely gathered and draped around the top of the brim. A cluster of black fabric flower petals are sewn at the proper right front side. The interior is not lined except for a black ribbon band on the interior crown. There is a strip of black grosgrain ribbon adhered to the interior center top crown. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered to the interior center back crown.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.161

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Attributed to

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

velvet, wire, sequins, and beads

Dimensions

H x W x D: 3 3/4 x 7 x 7 3/4 in. (9.5 x 17.8 x 19.7 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

An ivory and silver beaded and sequined cap attributed to Mae Reeves. The cap is formed from bent wire covered in ivory velvet in a circle of diamonds with the top points rounded down over the top of the head. The bottom points are covered by panels of white sequins and silver bugle beads shaped as stylized leaves. The interior is not lined and there are no labels.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.173

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

raffia, synthetic fiber, chiffon, lace, sequins, ribbon, and beads

Dimensions

H x W x D: 6 1/4 x 8 1/4 x 8 1/2 in. (15.9 x 21 x 21.6 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A black raffia hat with cream chiffon, lace, and beaded embellishments designed by Mae Reeves. The hat is a rounded crown slightly taller in front with no brim and a single pleat at the center back. It is formed from black braided raffia sewn onto heavy weight black tightly braided synthetic straw. A piece of cream chiffon with scalloped edges is sewn on the top of the hat, with the two longer scalloped pieces on each side of the hat behind the ears. Stiff wire is sewn underneath the edges of the chiffon. Pieces of floral lace have been fussy cut and are sewn onto the chiffon around the edges, with an additional piece of chiffon formed into a circle at the center of the panel and one lace rose sewn into the center of the gathered circle. A strand of faux pearl beads is sewn around the central circle and around the scalloped edges. Iridescent sequins and short lengths of the beads are scattered among the lace flowers. A length of black grosgrain ribbon is folded in quarters and sewn at the proper right side with the ends hanging down beyond the edge of the hat. The hat is not lined beyond the tightly braided straw under layer. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered to the interior proper left side.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.174

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

wool felt and feathers

Dimensions

H x W x D: 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 9 in. (16.5 x 21.6 x 22.9 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A light brown wool felt brimless hat covered in brown feathers designed by Mae Reeves. The upper portion of the hat is covered in small brown feathers with cream and black patterning. The lower portion of the hat, which is slightly wider than the upper section, is covered in longer, darker brown feathers. The interior opening is trimmed in black grosgrain ribbon. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered to the interior center back opening.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.175

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

satin, faille, synthetic fiber and wire faux flower, and sequins

Dimensions

H x W x D: 6 1/4 x 8 x 9 1/2 in. (15.9 x 20.3 x 24.1 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A pink and red striped satin hat with a pink rose decoration designed by Mae Reeves. The hat has high sides and a flat top with no brim. The sides are made from strips of red and pink satin sewn together so that they wrap diagonally around the head, with two deep pleats sewn around the sides which break up the lines of the stripes and create a stacked effect. The top is made from a piece of the pink satin. A large faux pink rose with green leaves and a brown wire stem is sewn with the bloom at the proper left front side. Small round pink sequins are adhered onto the flower petals and leaves, and scattered around the sides of the hat. The interior is lined with brown synthetic faille. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered at the interior center back.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.177

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

hat: wool felt, fur, and synthetic fiber;

pin: metal and plastic

Dimensions

H x W x D (a): 6 1/2 × 8 1/2 × 8 3/4 in. (16.5 × 21.6 × 22.2 cm)

H x W x D (b): 3 × 3/8 × 3/8 in. (7.6 × 1 × 1 cm)

Type

hats

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

Light brown wool felt toque with brown fur trim (a) designed by Mae Reeves with a hat pin (b). The hat has a round crown made from wool felt and no brim. A wide band of fur backed with metallic gold fabric is sewn around the bottom of the hat. The interior is not lined. A cream fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered at the interior center back.

A metal hat pin (b) with a black plastic bead at the top was stuck into the hat. It was removed and is stored with the hat.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.178ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016

Subject of

Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994

Medium

wool felt, feathers, beads, and adhesive

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 3/4 x 8 x 8 1/2 in. (22.2 x 20.3 x 21.6 cm)

Type

cloches

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1941-1994

Description

A cream wool fur felt cloche style hat designed by Mae Reeves. Panels of short black feathers are attached at each side of the hat. Single black feathers with a single black bead on the shaft of each feather are attached around the edges of each clustered feather panel, with some extending beyond the edge of the hat at the center front. White stiffener is sewn around the opening on the interior of the hat. A green stamp reading "Empress" with smeared illegible text below it is stamped on the interior crown of the hat. A fabric label with black printed text reading "Mae Reeves / OF / PHILADELPHIA" is adhered at the interior center back.

Topic

African American

Business

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Fashion design

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

Object number

2010.6.179

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Mae's Millinery Shop Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture