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.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d407570b-6d11-4c1d-9727-fb9a2e579ff5

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

Share this page