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, batting, rhinestones, and Velcro™
Dimensions
H x W x D (On form): 9 × 7 × 10 in. (22.9 × 17.8 × 25.4 cm)
H x W x D (Off form): 7 1/8 × 7 5/8 × 8 in. (18.1 × 19.4 × 20.3 cm)
(Circumference): 24 in.
Description
This cream headpiece with goggles and rhinestone decorations 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 crown of the headpiece is constructed of panels of cream twill synthetic fiber that form a skullcap. Three (3) rows of silver rhinestones are sewn along the proper left, center, and proper right seam lines extending all the way from the front of the skullcap to the back. Two (2) smaller sets of three (3) silver rhinestones are sewn between the longer rows, above the goggle openings at the proper front. Altogether, there are forty-eight (48) total silver rhinestone settings on the headpiece. The goggles are constructed of cream satin weave synthetic fiber that covers a stiff shaping material. Thirty-three (33) dark green flat rhinestones are sewn around the eye openings. The headpiece is fastened in place with a chin strap, made of the same cream twill synthetic fiber as the skullcap, which closes with Velcro™ at the proper left side near the wearer's chin. The interior of the cap is made from a single piece of cotton batting, with the cream exterior fabric hand sewn around the interior edge of the crown to attach the batting. There is an additional strip of cotton batting on the interior of the goggles to protect the bridge of the wearer's nose.
Place used
New York City, Manhattan, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
headdresses
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
2007.3.8.3
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd536c36ecd-ff81-453a-a674-ac71acca8114

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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