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Museum object · Clothing - Costume

Costume worn by Nona Hendryx of Labelle

1975

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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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 costume was worn by Nona Hendryx of Labelle during a live performance on the television show "The Midnight Special" in 1975. The costume consists of a silver skullcap (.1), a silver unitard (.2), a silver overbodice (.3), and silver boot covers (.4ab). Skullcap, .1: The silver metallic skullcap is similar in style to an aviator's cap. It is made from two (2) layers of silver synthetic fiber that serve as the facing and the lining fabrics. The fabric is quilted in a series of parallel lines along the top of the cap from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The area covering the ears is not quilted and extends into two thinner strips, one on each side of the head, with rounded tops. The seams of the quilted sections are left exposed on the interior of the cap, but are finished with serge stitching. Unitard, .

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2014.246.3.1-.4ab

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