Designed by
Reese, Tracy, American, born 1964
Worn by
First Lady Michelle Obama, American, born 1964
Date
2013
Medium
silk and rayon blend with glass and plastic beads, and plastic zipper
Dimensions
H x W x D (On Form): 40 1/4 × 22 1/2 × 14 in. (102.2 × 57.2 × 35.6 cm)
Description
A black dress with red poppy print and beaded details designed by Tracy Reese and worn by First Lady Michelle Obama on August 28, 2013. The sleeveless dress has a high rounded neckline in the front and a v-neckline in the back, with an A-line knee-length skirt. The fabric is a silk-rayon blend with a woven design of small raised assymetrical shapes. Large red poppy flowers are printed all over the black ground. Some of the flower centers have three-dimensional centers with clusters of short red bugle beads capped with a red seed bead interspersed with long black bugle beads capped with a black seed bead. The dress closes at the center back bodice with a black zipper that ends below the waist. There is a single black hook-and-eye closure at the top of the zipper.
The interior of the bodice is lined with a black stretch net. The skirt is lined with black synthetic fabric. Between the skirt lining and facing is an attached black organdy petticoat. The designer label has been cut from the proper left back bodice of the dress. An additional manufacturer's label has been cut from the proper left side seam of the skirt lining near the hem.
Place used
National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Clothing-Historical
Clothing-Fashion
Movement
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
Type
dresses
Topic
Clothing and dress
Design
Fashion
Fashion design
Local and regional
U.S. History, 2001-
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2015.177
Restrictions & Rights
© Tracy Reese
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5273c7e8e-c1ea-461b-aa37-4836ae1145b2

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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