Created by
Unidentified
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1940s
Medium
synthetic silk (possibly rayon), synthetic lining, metal, and plastic
Dimensions
Length (Shoulder to hem) 45 in (114.3 cm)
Width: (Shoulder to shoulder) 18 1/4 in (46.4 cm)
Description
A gray synthetic silk dress with a draped shawl collar. Four panels of fabric make up the front of the dress. The proper left panel has gray macramé tassels sewn to the bottom. Three layered fabric panels make up the right of side of the dress. All three panels have been gathered and sewn to the left panel, creating a ruched effect. The neckline features a diagonal-cut shawl collar layered on top of the center panel of fabric. The center panel extends from the bust to the knee area and has a right diagonal cut on the bottom. The bottom layer of fabric forms the front of skirt is rolled and handstitched into place. There are four darts at the top of the sleeve, creating a puffy shoulder. The sleeves are one panel piece seamed together at the inner arm and feature fifteen metal buttons covered with synthetic crepe fabric and fifteen synthetic creep loop closures. The front shawl collar drapes over the back and extends into a scarf-like addition. It ends in a series of tassels that have been secured to the fabric using macrame. The back bodice is composed of two panels- a large panel on the right and a smaller panel on the left that wraps around to the front. The back panels closure on the left side with eighteen metal buttons covered in gray synthetic silk crepe and eighteen crepe loop closures. The inside of the dress is unlined and there is no label.
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
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
2007.3.620
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50b3f5b06-47ab-4edd-937c-cac570916bcf

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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