Object Details
Designed by
Melvin James, American
Worn by
Little Richard, American, 1932 - 2020
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.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Date
late 1960s
Object number
2020.53.1ab
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
shirts
trousers
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)
Place made
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
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
Composers (Musicians)
Costume
Gospel (Music)
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Musicians
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Rock and roll (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Soul (Music)
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2020.53.1ab