Designed by
Arthur McGee, American, 1933 - 2019
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
mid 20th-late 20th century
Medium
cotton
Dimensions
H x W (flat): 11 1/2 × 97 1/2 in. (29.2 × 247.7 cm)
Description
Mahogany glazed twill cotton crop top designed by Arthur McGee. The top is made from two (2) eight (8) inch wide strips of the fabric seamed at the middle and with slanted ends. Two (2) thin loops made from the fabric are sewn near the center seam to form straps. The wearer threads their arms through the straps and then wraps the fabric around the bust and ties it. It is unclear if the center seam is meant to be at the center back or center front of the wearer's body. The fabric is long enough to be wrapped more than once around the body, or wrapped once and the ends left as long ties. The glazed cotton has an iridescent and metallic quality. The top is not lined and there are no labels.
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
bodices
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
2007.3.70.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5728d97a3-09d6-42a6-8959-4a1aa9475201

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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