Designed by
Norris, Patricia, American, 1931 - 2015
Worn by
Nyong'o, Lupita Amondi, Mexican Kenyan, born 1983
Created by
Western Costume Company, American, founded 1912
Subject of
Northup, Solomon, American, 1808 - 1875
Date
2013
Medium
cloth, thread, metal, plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (on form): 55 × 19 × 14 in. (139.7 × 48.3 × 35.6 cm)
Description
Lupita Nyong'o wears this dress as the character Patsey in the film 12 Years a Slave. The dress is designed and weathered to resemble an early 19th century Regency era gown that survived until the 1840s setting of the film.The dress is a faded blush pink color with short sleeves and an empire waist. There is pleated detail at the front waistline. The bottom of the dress has a hidden hem which follows the frayed bottom edge and prevents additional tears. The back fastens closed with three buttons and four sets of hook-and-eye fasteners. The buttons are off-white and have circular detailing. The sleeves are puffed with interior snaps and tabs of fabric used to secure undergarments. Inside the proper left side of the back shoulder is a barcode [Western Costume/40982797]. There is an additional barcode on the proper right hip inside the dress that is struck through in red ink [Western Costume/40445971].
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
dresses
Topic
Actors
Clothing and dress
Costume
Costume design
Design
Film
Hollywood (Film)
Slavery
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Western Costume Company
Object number
2015.158.1.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ef3ce3f5-caff-420d-8b99-c93351d4de5c

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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