Created by
Unidentified
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1940s - 1950s
Medium
wool twill, silk, linen, grosgrain, plastic, and metal
Dimensions
Length: 22 in (55.9 cm)
Width: 51 in. (129.5 cm)
Neck Circumference: 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Description
A black double-tiered cape with decorative bows and buckles. Both tiers of the cape are constructed from two semi-circles of black wool twill that are stitched together at the center back. The top tier is shorter, measuring 9.75” in length, while the longer tier measures 22”. Each shoulder has two darts for shaping. There is a black grosgrain ribbon at each collar’s lapel with two loops and a knot. Each ribbon is held in place by two metal straight pins and a tacking stitch. A black rectangular buckle with black faceted squares is sewn on top of each black ribbon with taking stitches and the buckle’s metal prong punctures the ribbon knot’s center. The capelet opens at the center front and fastens with four sets of metal hook and eye closures. The metal eyes are located on a 6” long self-fabric panel sewn to the capelet’s proper left edge. All edges of the capelet are finished with a .75” single fold that is double stitched with machine stitching. All the raw edges at the hems and seams are finished with black silk-wool blend twill binding. The center back seam is reinforced at the interior with a 2.25” wide brown canvas interfacing that is then covered with a 2.25” black silk ribbon. 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
capes (outerwear)
outerwear
cape (outerwear)
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
2007.3.678
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57e27813b-6556-4d4d-aa6b-3be02b85ecbd

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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