On View
Changing Exhibition Gallery
Designed by
Holder, Geoffrey, Trinidadian American, 1930 - 2014
Created by
Grace Costumes Inc., American, founded 1961
Worn by
De Shields, André, American, born 1946
Subject of
Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007
Date
1975
Medium
synthetic fiber, fur, sequins, rhinestones, and elastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (flat): 92 3/4 × 57 1/2 × 9 3/4 in. (235.6 × 146.1 × 24.8 cm)
Description
This cream and green cape decorated with silver sequin stars and rhinestones is part of a costume worn by André De Shields as The Wizard in "The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" on Broadway. The exterior of the cape is made of a cream satin synthetic fiber with thirty-two (32) small silver sequin stars hand-sewn to the fabric with fishing line in a random pattern. One (1) larger silver sequin star is attached at the center back just below the collar. The cape has an oversized stand-up collar, with squared tips made of a stiff plastic or paper and covered in cream satin synthetic fabric. At the proper left and proper right fronts of the collar, one (1) sequin silver star is glued to the fabric and surrounded by silver rhinestones that also are affixed to the collar with glue. The cape is lined with an emerald green satin synthetic fiber. The exterior edge of the cape is trimmed with cream fur. The cape attaches with a harness around the wearer's back, through the arms, and with a hook-and-eye closure at the center front chest. The portion of the harness that goes at the wearer's back is made of elastic, while the front is made of cream satin faced with grosgrain ribbon. The harness is attached to the cape at the proper right and proper left sides just below the collar. Green rhinestones are sewn in a decorative design where the harness closes at the center front.
Place used
New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing-Costume
Type
capes (outerwear)
Topic
Actors
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Musical Theatre
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
2007.3.8.2
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55a5b9010-335a-412d-b620-b44055223b3e

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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