Object Details
Designed by
Tracy Reese, American, born 1964
Worn by
First Lady Michelle Obama, American, born 1964
Description
A black dress with red poppy print and beaded details designed by Tracy Reese and worn by First Lady Michelle Obama on August 28, 2013. The sleeveless dress has a high rounded neckline in the front and a v-neckline in the back, with an A-line knee-length skirt. The fabric is a silk-rayon blend with a woven design of small raised assymetrical shapes. Large red poppy flowers are printed all over the black ground. Some of the flower centers have three-dimensional centers with clusters of short red bugle beads capped with a red seed bead interspersed with long black bugle beads capped with a black seed bead. The dress closes at the center back bodice with a black zipper that ends below the waist. There is a single black hook-and-eye closure at the top of the zipper.
The interior of the bodice is lined with a black stretch net. The skirt is lined with black synthetic fabric. Between the skirt lining and facing is an attached black organdy petticoat. The designer label has been cut from the proper left back bodice of the dress. An additional manufacturer's label has been cut from the proper left side seam of the skirt lining near the hem.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Date
2013
Object number
2015.177
Restrictions & Rights
© Tracy Reese
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
dresses
Medium
silk and rayon blend with glass and plastic beads, and plastic zipper
Dimensions
H x W x D (On Form): 40 1/4 × 22 1/2 × 14 in. (102.2 × 57.2 × 35.6 cm)
Place used
National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Movement
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Clothing and dress
Design
Fashion
Fashion design
Local and regional
U.S. History, 2001-
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2015.177