- Designed by
- James, Melvin, American
- Worn by
- Richard, Little, American, 1932 - 2020
- Date
- late 1960s
- Medium
- satin, brocade, fringe, sequin, and metal
- Dimensions
- H x W (a. shirt): 27 1/2 × 23 × 38 1/2 in. (69.9 × 58.4 × 97.8 cm)
- H x W (b. pants): 41 × 13 1/2 in. (104.1 × 34.3 cm)
- Description
- A two-piece costume ensemble designed by Melvin James and worn by Little Richard consisting of a top (a) and pants (b) in gold satin with a pink and green floral brocade pattern trimmed in hot pink fringe. The top has a high neckline with fuschia sequins at the collar and exaggerated kimono-style sleeves that fall to mid-calf length. There is pink fringe around the collar, hem, and wrists. There is a zipper closure at the back of the shirt and a label reading [A / Melvin James / Original / Detroit, Mich.]. The matching bell bottomed pants have three layers of pink fringe at the ankles. There is a metal fastener and zipper closure at the interior right waistband.
- Place made
- Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Clothing - Costume
- Topic
- Clothing and dress
- Composers (Musicians)
- Costume
- Gospel (Music)
- Instrumentalists (Musicians)
- Musicians
- Rhythm and blues (Music)
- Rock and roll (Music)
- Singers (Musicians)
- Soul (Music)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2020.53.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown – Restrictions Possible
- Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




