Object Details
Created by
Tony Chase, American, 1952- ca. 1990
Owned by
Luther Vandross, American, 1951 - 2005
Worn by
Ava Cherry, American
Description
Red and black beaded gown designed by Tony Chase and worn by Ava Cherry in performances with Luther Vandross.
The body of the gown is red and is covered with wavy strands of thin, red beads, which were sewn on. The sleeves have shoulder pads inside. The shoulders, neckline and chest, hips, and the forearm section of the sleeves have geometric designs in black and clear beads. The sleeves have red zippers starting at the wrists. The hips have a peplum going around them. It has pointed and rounded edge flaps of varying sizes. The reverse side of the peplum is lined in red. There are several areas on the dress where the red beads are missing. In addition to the missing beads, there are a few loose threads on the dress. The gown has a large slit which goes up the center front of the dress. The gown also has a long train, with edges in varying lengths. The geometric beaded designs carry over to the back of the gown. At the back of the neck there is a metal fastener and a black zipper. The back of the train features an intricate, beaded geometric design.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Seveda Williams in Celebration of the Musical Legacy of her Uncle, Luther Vandross
Date
1980s
Object number
2018.86.5
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
gowns
Medium
polyester, silk, rhinestone, plastic, and thread
Dimensions
H x W (Height, flat; Width, shoulders): 86 × 18 in. (218.4 × 45.7 cm)
H x W (Width- hips): 17 in. (43.2 cm)
H x W (Width- train, flat): 34 in. (86.4 cm)
L x W (Length- sleeve): 21 in. (53.3 cm)
L x W (Length- slit): 19 in. (48.3 cm)
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Clothing - Costume
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Clothing and dress
Costume
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2018.86.5