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Museum object · Clothing - Costume

Black, navy, and teal suit worn by Luther Vandross

1990s

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

COLLECTION RECORDImage not availableExplore the catalog description and source record.
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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 suit jacket (.1) and pants (.2) by Gianni Versace were worn by Luther Vandross. The jacket is made from black wool with a woven design in navy and muted teal similar to camouflage. The single-breasted jacket closes at the center front with two (2) black round plastic buttons sewn to a placket, making them invisible from the exterior. The jacket has a standard notched collar and one center back vent. The sleeves are cut straight with a faux slit in the cuffs and a line of six (6) tightly spaced black round plastic buttons on each cuff. There is one (1) welted breast pocket on the proper left side and two (2) pockets with flap closures, one at each front sided waist. The interior of the jacket and all of the pockets are lined in black rayon with a repeating woven design in black of a hairy human head.

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: 2015.118.4.1-.2

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