Created by
Capas Headwear, American, founded 1985
Unidentified
Worn by
De Shields, André, American, born 1946
Date
1982
Medium
(.4a) wool (textile), felt, polyester, feather and leather;
(.4b) elastic with rhinestone , metal and adhesive
Dimensions
H x W x D (4a hat): 11 3/4 × 9 3/4 × 4 1/2 in. (29.8 × 24.8 × 11.4 cm)
H x W (4b hatband): 11 3/4 × 3/4 in. (29.8 × 1.9 cm)
Description
Bowler hat and hat band from Ain't Misbehavin' costume ensemble for Act II worn by André De Shields during the 1982 NBC TV special. The bowler hat (.4a) is made from emerald green felt and a shiny fabric border on the upturned edges of the hat. The hatband surrounds the head of that hat and folds over itself to make a flat bow on the proper right. Under the bow are three brown and red feathers. The hatband fabric is the same fabric as the border. The inside of the hat is lined with a shiny fabric material and has an edging of leather. Inscribed in gold lettering on each side of the interior leather band is the manufacture’s name, [CAPAS DESIGN], and type of hat, [DERBY]. The back edge of the leather has a small bow. The top crown inside the hat has the manufacture's label, an illustration of a top hat, gloves, and walking stick.
The hat band (.4b) is a metal chain of four lines of rhinestones. The metal chain connects with an elastic band. Rhinestones have been glued onto the elastic band in the same pattern as the rest of the hatband. Some of the rhinestones have been lost.
Place made
Queens, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
hatbands
derbies (hats)
Topic
Actors
Broadway Theatre
Clothing and dress
Costume
Entertainers
Musical Theatre
Television
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of André De Shields
Object number
2018.1.2.4ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd509b3c7cd-caff-475f-bfa1-9143f7ba807a

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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