Designed by
Tann, J. Wesley II, American, died 2012
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1979
Medium
.1 chenille and plastic
.2 chenille and cotton
Dimensions
H x W (.1 Dress): 41 × 12 in. (104.1 × 30.5 cm)
H x W (.2 Jacket): 39 1/2 × 23 1/2 in. (100.3 × 59.7 cm)
Description
Dress and vest ensemble designed by Wesley Tann.
.1 The off-white chenille sheath cocktail dress has spaghetti straps and a straight across neckline. It has a pencil skirt silhouette, and the bodice is gathered into a ruched waistband. The dress is darted at the bust, and there is a zipper going part way down the proper left side of the bodice. The fabric has horizontal stripes going all the way down the dress. Some of the stripes appear to be layered on top of the rest of the dress. They have a woven diamond pattern on the and short fringe at the top and at the bottom. The dress has a small slit in the back at the bottom of the skirt. There is no manufacturer’s label inside of the dress. The dress has several large water marks and blue and magenta stains on the front and on the back. It has yellowed slightly due to age.
.2 The magenta vest jacket is open down the front and does not have any sort of closures. It has cap sleeves. The vest is approximately the same length as the sheath dress. The outside of the vest is a magenta poplin fabric, which is a cotton with a tight, close weave. There is a slight sheen to its appearance. The inside of the vest is lined with the same striped and fringed chenille fabric as the sheath dress. There is a horizontal seam going across the middle of the upper back. The bottom of the vest below the seam is slightly more flowy. There are several water stains as well as blue and magenta stains on the lining of the vest, and some small blue stains on the outer magenta layer of the vest. There is no manufacturer’s label. There are some small pulls and loose threads in the fabric.
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
vests (main garments)
sheath 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
2007.3.175.1-.2
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bfd9cad4-446c-4493-a33f-7bb3a1170691

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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