Costume worn by Deborah Burrell for "Eubie!" in 1978

Bernard Johnson, American, 1936 - 1997 · most likely 1930s; modified 1978

A copper and silver satin theatrical dress. The bodice is made from three bias cut satin pieces, one for the front and two for the back. The bodice features a V-neckline and drop waist. There are two vertical shaping darts near the straps, measuring 2.5". Each strap is made from self-fabric, that is hand rolled, padded, and had sewn to the bodice. The bodice is edged with piped seaming and features a drop waist, which is sewn to a three paneled skirt. The skirt has a central silver satin panel and two side copper panels that extend to the back. The back bodice also features a deep-V neckline and is composed of two back bodice panel that closes in the center back with a metal hook and eye and a 10” metal zipper and metal pull. The zipper pull is engraved with the brand name [MARK]. Synthetic organza lines the inside of the bodice and a .5” wide elastic band is hand sewn to the inner neckline with green thread. One 6” half-circle sweat pad made from synthetic faille is attached to each armhole with three metal snaps. Each sweat pad has a twill tape label hand sewn to it that reads [D.B.F.] in handwritten text. Along the proper left side of the zipper is the dressmaker label covered by another twill tape label that reads [DEBBIE] in black pen handwriting. The white woven dressmaking label reads [EAVES COSTUME CO. INC. / NEW YORK / SINCE 1863] in green text. A man in old fashioned clothing is standing with his hands on his waist next to the ‘E’ in EAVES. A 6” white silk satin mic pouch is handsewn to the interior proper left side. The bottom hem of the dress is hand rolled and sewn into place with machine stitching.