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
Topic
Black Enterprise
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
2007.3.314ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd514055f95-e654-4a45-838b-9b6665217e8d

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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