- Designed by
- Lepenski, died 1985
- Subject of
- Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
- Date
- 1981-1985
- Medium
- linen, plastic, metal, and padding
- Dimensions
- L x W (a. tunic): 40 × 15 1/2 in. (101.6 × 39.4 cm)
- L x W (b. skirt): 27 1/2 × 13 1/4 in. (69.9 × 33.7 cm)
- Description
- A black and white linen tunic and skirt by Lepenski. The tunic (a) has a rounded band collar with a center front placket ending in a rounded point. A plastic button and self-fabric button loop are sewn to the bottom half of the placket. The top of the shoulders and sleeves are made of black linen. The long set in sleeves are finished with a bias cut cuff. White linen is gathered and sewn to the bottom edge of the small black linen yoke. The side seams lead into slits at hip level. The nineteen inch slits and hem are bordered with a band of black linen. A shortened black yoke at the center back is sewn to gathered white linen. Sholder pads filled with possibly synthetic fiber are stitched to the inside of each shoulder and are finished with overcast machine stitching. A fabric label is sewn to the center back interior of the tunic below the collar which reads [Lepenski] in brown cursive script. The matching mid-calf length skirt (b) is made of white linen and has a waistband with an encased stiffener. Four darts are sewn to the front of the skirt, starting at the bottom of the waistband. Two side pockets slightly offset from the side seams are sewn at hip level. The edge of the hem is finished with overcast machine stitching, it is folded inwards and secured with hand seed stitches. Two plastic buttons and a metal zipper are sewn to the center back of the skirt. The center back zipper leads into a center back seam. Four darts matching those found on the front are sewn to the back of the skirt. Both garments are entirely machine stitched and unlined. A fabric label is sewn to the skirt’s interior to the proper right of the center back opening that reads [Lepenski] in brown cursive script.
- Cataloging Notes
- This project received Federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.
- Place made
- New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Collection title
- Black Fashion Museum Collection
- Classification
- Clothing - Fashion and Historical
- Type
- ensembles (costume)
- tunics
- skirts
- 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
- 2007.3.314ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




