Beaded multi-colored shirt and pleated coral pants by Mary McFadden

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.

Coral, green, white, and gold beaded top (.1) and pleated coral pants (.2) by Mary McFadden. The tank top (.1) has a scooped neck and is made from gold and white gauze that is heavily beaded. Long beaded fringe hangs from the front and back sides, with the back side longer than the front. The top fastens at each shoulder with one (1) gold foil wrapped cord loop and one (1) circular button covered in gold foil wrapped cord arranged in a woven pattern. Two (2) of the same buttons and loops are placed at each side of the shirt along both sides below the arm openings. Strands of glass and metal coil beads are crocheted to the gold and white gauze fabric to create a design of geometric shapes within stripes. The fringe hanging below the hemline is a continuation of the beaded strands. The top is lined in cream chiffon.

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