On View
Musical Crossroads Gallery
Exhibition
Musical Crossroads
Designed by
Wells, Louis, born 1957
Worn by
White, Verdine, American, born 1951
Subject of
Earth, Wind & Fire, American, founded 1969
Date
2004-2013
Medium
synthetic fiber, rhinestone buttons, sequins, beads, and beaded fringe
Dimensions
H x W (flat): 20 × 13 in. (50.8 × 33 cm)
Description
A white and black men's cropped vest designed by Louis Wells and worn by Verdine White, bassist for Earth, Wind & Fire. The front and back of the vest are made from a white damask in a floral burst design, with white cording stitched around the damask design and pearlized white beads and sequins sewn inside portions of the design. The front side openings are trimmed in black satin with sixteen (16) large clear rhinestone buttons, eight on each side, serving as decoration only. The center front opening of the vest has no closure method. The hem of the vest on the front and back is trimmed in black twill fabric with a black velvet vine design. Black beaded fringe is attached around the upper edge of the black trim, with each strand containg small round black beads and one larger teardrop bead at the end. The vest is fully lined in the black fabric used to trim the exterior hem. A black fabric tag is sewn at the interior center back neck with white embroidered text reading "LOUIS WELLS" above a phone number that is blacked out with marker.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
vests (main garments)
Topic
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Soul (Music)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Costume Designer Bernard G. Jacobs
Object number
2015.147.3.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd554210bd6-37d8-4086-9128-111f8f585a6b

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

Share this page