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
Type
shirts
trousers
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.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5859c2cb4-e1f6-489c-810a-42e7f1e23853

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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