Created by
Chase, Tony, American, 1952- ca. 1990
Owned by
Vandross, Luther, American, 1951 - 2005
Worn by
Cherry, Ava, American
Date
1980s
Medium
polyester, silk, rhinestone, plastic, and thread
Dimensions
H x W (Height, flat; Width, shoulders): 86 × 18 in. (218.4 × 45.7 cm)
H x W (Width- hips): 17 in. (43.2 cm)
H x W (Width- train, flat): 34 in. (86.4 cm)
L x W (Length- sleeve): 21 in. (53.3 cm)
L x W (Length- slit): 19 in. (48.3 cm)
Description
Red and black beaded gown designed by Tony Chase and worn by Ava Cherry in performances with Luther Vandross.
The body of the gown is red and is covered with wavy strands of thin, red beads, which were sewn on. The sleeves have shoulder pads inside. The shoulders, neckline and chest, hips, and the forearm section of the sleeves have geometric designs in black and clear beads. The sleeves have red zippers starting at the wrists. The hips have a peplum going around them. It has pointed and rounded edge flaps of varying sizes. The reverse side of the peplum is lined in red. There are several areas on the dress where the red beads are missing. In addition to the missing beads, there are a few loose threads on the dress. The gown has a large slit which goes up the center front of the dress. The gown also has a long train, with edges in varying lengths. The geometric beaded designs carry over to the back of the gown. At the back of the neck there is a metal fastener and a black zipper. The back of the train features an intricate, beaded geometric design.
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Type
gowns
Topic
Clothing and dress
Costume
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Seveda Williams in Celebration of the Musical Legacy of her Uncle, Luther Vandross
Object number
2018.86.5
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50c25f5c0-02ea-4525-b4e9-9edbd5d82f4f

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