Designed by
Arthur McGee, American, 1933 - 2019
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1960-1975
Medium
a: lace, synthetic fiber, and metal hooks
b: lace and synthetic fiber
Dimensions
Dress (a) Length (Shoudler to hem) 46 1/4 in (117.5 cm)
Width (Shoulder to shoulder): 28 1/2 in (72.4 cm)
Belt (b) L x W: 16 × 1 in. (40.6 × 2.5 cm)
Description
A beige linen lace dress (a) and tie belt (b) designed by Arthur McGee. The dress is collarless and there are five metal hook closures that connect to a corresponding thread loops in the center front. The front of the dress is made from two panels for the bust and two skirt panels sewn together at the waist. Both the skirt panels and the bust panels are seamed together at the center front. The front of the dress has an alternating design of cut work lace and solid panels of linen. There is a lace trim machine- stitched to the hem of the dress. The back bodice is composed of a single piece, machine stitched to a single skirt panel. The skirt has been hand gathered to itself and machine stitched to the back bodice. The dress is lined with beige plain weave acetate. The bust lining is composed of two panels in the front and a single panel for the back. The skirt lining is four panels, two panels for the front and two in the back. There is white machine-lace trim stitched along the inner hem and cut lace machine stitched to the bottom hem. There is no label.
The tie fragment (b) is made from the same pale peach synthetic fabric overlaid in open work cream floral lace. It is backed in machine-made cream lace. One end of the tie is folded and seamed to the back side, the other is cut with a raw edge. The tie likely wrapped around the dress at the waist to hide the seam.
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
dresses
belts (costume accessories)
Topic
Clothing and dress
Design
Fashion
Fashion design
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
2007.3.69ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57b4c815f-8dec-498a-ae9b-8ea2365fea95

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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