Manufactured by
Mel Howard Formal Wear Accessories, American
Worn by
Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
Date
late 20th century
Medium
silk (textile) with cloth , metal and elastic
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5 3/8 × 37 1/2 × 3/8 in. (13.7 × 95.3 × 1 cm)
Description
A Mel Howard cummerbund from the travel wardrobe trunk used by Cab Calloway. The patterned, medium gray cummerbund is primarily constructed of gray silk with a cotton backing. The gray silk front panel has four horizontal folds that extend across the waist when worn. The gray fabric has a woven texture with a pattern that includes dark gray dotted lines, accented with small, light pink, eight petal flowers with a dark pink centers. Extending from each end of the cummerbund are two gray, elastic waist straps that attach at the back with a flat hook and eye. Both of the waistband straps have metal strap adjusters. The back of the front panel of the cummerbund is lined with white cotton. Sewn to one side of the lining is a black fabric tag with white embroidered text that reads [Mel Howard / ONE SIZE / FITS ALL / 27-48]. Sewn to the opposite side of the lining is a second black fabric tag with white embroidered text that reads [ALL / SILK]. The back of both tags are blank.
Collection title
The Cabell “Cab” Calloway III Collection
Classification
Accessories and Personal Effects
Clothing - Costume
Type
cummerbunds
Topic
Band (Music)
Clothing and dress
Conductors (Musicians)
Costume
Entertainers
Jazz (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Travel
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam
Object number
A2015.273.1.1.42
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5addf8fb4-6b0e-4178-80ab-9a356f5d532d

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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