Created by
Best & Co., American, 1879 - 1970
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
ca.1940
Medium
synthetic crepe, metal thread, rhinestones, and metal
Dimensions
L x W: 57 1/2 × 18 1/2 in. (146.1 × 47 cm)
Waist: 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm)
Description
A cream ankle length dress with rhinestones and metallic embroidery. The dress has a sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves. Remnants of gold colored woven monofilament are stitched along the edge of the neckline. The sleeves are slightly gathered at the shoulders. The sleeves are sewn with machine stitches and the hem is folded inwards and secured with hand stitches. The dress has an empire waistline which ends under the bustline and two dart tucks ending at a point along the waistline. There is a metal lapped zipper on the proper left side that starts at the base of the sleeve, it extends down the side of the dress and is thirteen and a half inches long. A metal hook and eye is placed along the zipper at the bust line. The top of the dress is adorned with tarnished gold chain stitch embroidery in swirling organic motifs. Rhinestones secured with metal prong settings are placed along the embroidery. A row of rhinestones is placed at the edge of sleeves, neckline, and waistline. Corded thread belt loops are tacked one inch below the waistline. The back of the dress has a scoop neckline, extending lower than the front. The dress has a center back seam and is finished with a rolled hem. The interior seams have pinked pressed down edges. A fabric label is sewn along the proper left side seam towards the bottom of the dress that reads "Best & Co. FIFTH AVE. NEW YORK" in blue text.
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 collected
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
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
2007.3.611
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd564cf6f3d-b219-4999-bf74-86f5266fff51

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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