Created by
Unidentified
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
ca.1950
Medium
cotton, synthetic ribbon, metal and padding
Dimensions
a. dress
Length (a: shoulder to hem): 46 1/2 in (118.1 cm)
Width (a: shoulder to shoulder): 15 1/2 in (39.4 cm)
Waist (a: flat): 12 in (30.5 cm)
b. shoulder pad
Length (b): 3 3/4 in (9.5 cm)
Width (b): 5 3/4 ( 14.6 cm)
c. shoulder pad
Length (c): 3 3/4 in (9.5 cm)
Width (c): 6 1/4 (15.9 cm)
Description
A green, blue, and pink floral day dress with shoulder pads. The A-line silhouette dress (a) has a pointed collar with a V neckline. It opens in the center front with eight self-fabric buttonhole loops, all of the buttons are missing. The cap sleeves are made of the same panel of fabric as the bodice and are pleated at the ends. Two darts about two inches long are sewn to the proper right side of the center front opening along the waistline. One five and a quarter inch dart is sewn to the proper left side of the center front opening. A metal hook and thread eye are sewn to the waistline seam. The center front opening ends three and a half inches below the waist seam which continues into a center front seam ending at the hem. A white thread belt loop is sewn to each side of the dress along the waist seam. The top and bottom portions of the dress are machine sewn to each other at the waist seam. The bottom of the dress has machine sewn pleats set along the waist seam. One dart is sewn to each side of the center back of the dress above the waist seam. A white synthetic ribbon is sewn to the inside of the waist seam. The hem of the dress is folded inwards, and machine stitched with a raw edge. The fabric’s selvage is seen on the center back seam at the interior. The dress is unlined and unlabeled, it is likely handmade. The triangle shaped shoulder pads (b and c) are made of the same fabric as the dress. They are sewn with machine overlock stitching and filled with padding, likely lambswool.
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
2007.3.680abc
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ab380ad9-5237-42c8-9636-c820c0a4437a

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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