- Created by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
- Date
- 1930s
- Medium
- Synthetic damask, plastic rhinestones, metal, cotton twill, and (likely cotton or wool) batting
- Dimensions
- Length (Shoulder to hem): 55 in (139.7 cm)
- Waist: 23 in. 58.4 cm
- Description
- A pink synthetic silk dress with an all-over damask feather pattern woven into the fabric. Each feather has a line of plastic rhinestones with metal settings punched along the stem. A metal Talon zipper is machine stitched to the proper left of the bodice. A belt band made from the synthetic damask material extends over the zipper on the proper left and has six snaps metal snaps handstitched to the fabric. The corresponding snaps are sewn to the bodice. There is a sweetheart neckline and there’s hand stitching in the bust to keep the pleats in place. There are cap sleeves and shoulder bands sewn to the sleeves. The front bodice is composed of three panels - one for the center bust, and a panel on each side. The skirt is composed of four panels. The center skirt panel extends up to the bodice, The proper left panel has an additional triangular panel sewn on the bottom. There is a second triangular panel sewn to the proper right of the proper left panel, a third additional panel has been sewn to the proper left of the proper right panel. The bottom panels have been sewn with a straight seam and has selvedge edges. The bottom hem is upturned and machine stitched. The back bodice is made from three panels. Once center panel, and one on each side. The back waist band is made from three panels seamed together. The interior of the dress is unlined. There is no label. There is a lingerie guard at each shoulder made from a short length of ribbon with a snap at the end. The corresponding snap is sewn to the interior sleeve. Shoulder pads made from self-fabric are machine stitched to each shoulder and stuffed with (likely wool or cotton) batting. The interior of the skirt is pinked. It is gathered to itself, and machine stitched to the bodice.
- 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.
- Collection title
- Black Fashion Museum Collection
- Classification
- Clothing - Fashion and Historical
- Type
- dresses
- cocktail 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
- 2007.3.602
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public domain
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




