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Beaded gown designed by Zelda Wynn for Eartha Kitt

African American Museum

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    Object Details

    Designed by

    Zelda Wynn, American, 1905 - 2001

    Worn by

    Eartha Kitt, American, 1927 - 2008

    Subject of

    Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

    Description

    A crème-colored silk gown designed by Zelda Wynn for Eartha Kitt.
    The one shoulder, floor-length silk gown features extensively beaded and multi-colored birds of paradise throughout. It was made with a combination of machine and hand-stitching. The bodice has one strap crossing the proper left shoulder, with sheered bias cut fabric embellishment at the bust and at the waist. At the waist, contrasting silk fabric in cream and emerald green is used in the sheered embellishment, forming a yolk at the hip. The skirt is narrow with high slit. The birds of paradise have been printed on the silk fabric with seed beads and rhinestones added over the print. The bodice is interfaced with plain woven fabric, with two small loops for hanging at either side. There is a concealed white plastic zipper at the left side of the waist. A cream-colored satin Zelda Wynn trademark tag is sewn on the interior of the dress.

    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

    Date

    ca. 1955

    Object number

    2007.3.163

    Restrictions & Rights

    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

    Type

    dresses

    Medium

    silk (textile) and plastic

    Dimensions

    L x W: 58 11/16 × 15 3/4 in. (149 × 40 cm)
    Waist: 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
    Chest: 14 15/16 in. (38 cm)

    Place made

    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

    See more items in

    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

    Collection title

    Black Fashion Museum Collection

    Classification

    Clothing - Fashion and Historical
    Clothing - Costume

    Data Source

    National Museum of African American History and Culture

    Topic

    African American
    Actors
    Clothing and dress
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Fashion
    Fashion design
    Singers (Musicians)

    Metadata Usage

    CC0

    Link to Original Record

    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f4b4a5af-fd5d-443e-a52b-f628aa9a0760

    Record ID

    nmaahc_2007.3.163

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