Created by
Mardi Gras
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1960s
Medium
synthetic brocade with metallic thread, synthetic satin, cotton, synthetic ribbon, and metal
Dimensions
Length (shoulder to hem): 51 in (129.5 cm)
Width (shoulder to shoulder): 11 3/4 in (29.8 cm)
Waist (flat): 12 in (30.5 cm)
Description
A pink and gold metallic sheath silhouette evening dress. The dress is sleeveless and has a boat neck with wide shoulder straps. The dress is made of a light pink and gold metallic synthetic brocade. The brocade used to make the bodice is not attached to the waistband of the dress, creating the illusion that the dress is two sperate pieces. Two princess seams are along the bust of the dress with a three-inch diagonal dart at the bust. Pink syntenic fabric (likely acetate) is sewn below the bodice of the dress which mirrors the construction of the over bodice but without princess seams. The underbodice is attached to a pink synthetic satin waistband that is set above the natural waist. A self-fabric bow is tacked to the proper left side of the waistband. Two darts are sewn to each side of the dress below the waistband. The bottom portion of the dress is fitted close to the body and ends slightly above the ankle. The back of dress has a center back seam with a metal zipper. A metal hook and thread eye are sewn above the zipper. The over bodice splits in the back and closes with a metal hook and thread eye two inches from the bottom hem. A band of synthetic brocade is sewn to the interior bodice along the center back zipper. A metal hook and a thread eye are sent into the waistband along the zipper. Two darts are sewn to each side of the dress below the waistband. A thirteen-and three-quarter inch vent is added to the bottom of the dress along the center back seam. The over bodice is lined with cotton, the edges are secured with a hand stitched syntenic ribbon. The side seams of the bodice are pressed open and unfinished. A lingerie guard with a metal snap is sewn to each shoulder. The dress is lined with synthetic faille, two darts are sewn on the front and back of the lining. The hem of the dress is folded inwards and secured with a handstitched pink metallic ribbon. A woven fabric label is sewn to the proper left side of the center back zipper which reads [Mardi Gras / NEW YORK].
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
dresses
evening dresses
Topic
Clothing and dress
Fashion
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
Object number
2007.3.294
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d512124f-ab52-429e-9312-f913cc07a7e7

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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