A blue gray floral-patterned dress with a sequined bodice (a) and matching belt (b). The sleeveless dress has a rounded neckline and is made from two panels (one for the front, one for the back) of synthetic (possibly polyester or rayon) gauze. There is an allover paisley-like pattern of blue grey flowers and leaves. Translucent iridescent sequins are sewn into the negative space of the pattern on the bust. On each side of the bust is an 8” diagonal bust dart and there are also two 5.5” vertical waist darts (one on each side). At each side of the waist is a single braided thread loop. The back bust is made from two panels that are bisected by a white 23.35” Conmatic metal zipper with metal teeth. Above the zipper is one metal hook and eye set and there is a metal hook and thread eye set at the mid back. There are three sets of darts at the back of the bodice – 2.5” shoulder darts, 3” darts perpendicular to the armscye, and 5.5” waist darts. There are also two 8” vertical skirt darts that connect to the 5.5” waistline darts on the bodice.
The interior bodice is lined with white cotton gauze and the interior skirt is lined with white linen gauze. The interior construction of both the bodice and skirt mirrors that of the outside of the dress. The interior bodice lining is hand stitched into place. A single 3” folded hem is at the bottom of the dress, which is machine stitched to a .5” panel of white synthetic twill and the twill is hand stitched to the inside of the dress. There is no label.
The matching belt (b) is made from cording and is covered in two panels of self-fabric that’s bias cut. The ends are knotted with a single knot.
| Date | mid 20th century |
| Created by | Unidentified |
| Subject of | Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007 |
| Medium | synthetic gauze, (possibly polyester or rayon), cotton lining, metal, synthetic twill, linen, cording, and plastic sequin |
| Dimensions | a: dress |
| Dimensions | Length (a: shoulder to hem): 38 1/4 in. (97.2 cm) |
| Dimensions | Chest (a: full): 35 3/4 in. (90.8 cm) |
| Dimensions | Waist (a: full): 26 in. (66 cm) |
| Dimensions | b: belt |
| Dimensions | Length (b: end to end): 64 in. (162.6 cm) |
| Dimensions | Width : 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) |
| Credit Line | Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane |
| Object number | 2007.3.915ab |
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