- Created by
- Unidentified
- Subject of
- Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
- Date
- early 20th century
- Medium
- cotton, metal, and shell
- Dimensions
- L x W: 39 1/2 × 18 in. (100.3 × 45.7 cm)
- Waist: 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
- Description
- A christening gown with floral eyelet embroidery made of white cotton. The dress has a rounded neckline with lace trim and pintucks at the yoke. Two bands of alternating lace and gathered cotton are sewn underneath the yoke which narrow almost to a point at the waistline. The half length sleeves are made of two layers of cotton, the top layer is shorter and gathered with a band of chevron embroidery. The bottom layer is also gathered and tapers at the end, both layers are finished with lace trim. Two bands of floral eyelet embroidery with chevron embordered borders start at the top of the shoulder, taper inwards at the waistline and extend down the front of the skirt. The eyelet bands continue to the sides of the skirt, framing triangular inserts made of alternating bands of cotton lace and gathered cotton. The bands are placed on the diagonal. Cotton lace borders one side of the eyelet bands, widening at the bottom of the skirt. The front of the skirt is made of one panel and is gathered at the sides along the waistline. A four inch wide ruffle is sewn to the hem with chevron embroidery at the top and lace trim at the bottom. A curved yoke is sewn to the back of the dress along the neckline with pintucks and cotton lace trimming. Four box pleats are sewn under the neck ending at the waistline. The band of floral eyelet embroidery on the front of the dress continues slightly on the back just below the shoulders. The dress opens at the center back and closes with three buttons at the bodice. The top button is made of shell, and the bottom two buttons are made of metal covered in cotton fabric. The back of the skirt is made of one panel and is gathered at the waistband. The side seams of the skirt are finished with the selvage and the dress is entirely handsewn.
- 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
- costume
- dresses
- Topic
- Children
- Christianity
- Clothing and dress
- 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
- 2007.3.635
- Restrictions & Rights
- No known copyright restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




