Satin gown worn by Marian Anderson and Denyce Graves

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This pale bronze gown was designed by Barbara Karinska and worn by Marian Anderson, then later altered and worn by Denyce Graves. The gown is made from slubbed silk satin and has a fitted sleeveless bodice with a natural waistline and a full skirt with a slight train. Portions of a cream and metallic gold floral lace are cut and sewn to the bodice around the scoop neckline, along the shoulder straps, and around the waist side seams. The gown closes at the center back with a metal zipper that extends below the waist and one (1) metal hook-and-eye at the top of the zipper. The bodice of the dress is lined with an undyed cotton. The interior neckline and shoulder straps are lined with a light brown synthetic fabric, likely an alteration for Graves. The skirt is fully lined in a cream silk faille.

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