Pink robe worn by Cab Calloway: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

A robe worn by Cab Calloway. The magenta pink robe (A2015.273.1.32a) is full length and features a faux fur collar, and a matching belt (A2015.273.1.32b). Sewn over the proper left breast pocket is a white rectangular patch with the name [C / A / B] printed in magenta pink, embroidered, diagonal, Broadway font letters. The collar is faced with faux white fur. The back of the collar is satin with a printed red and pink floral pattern against a white background. The cuffs have a wide hem. The robe has two belt loops and hanging loop stitched to the back center of the collar. The robe is lined with plain white satin. The belt is magenta pink and is constructed from the same fabric as the robe.

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date: 20th century
• Manufactured by: Unidentified
• Worn by: Cab Calloway, American, 1907 - 1994
• Type: bathrobes
• Medium: A2015.273.1.32a: silk (textile) and synthetic fiber
• Medium: A2015.273.1.32b: synthetic fiber
• Dimensions: H x W x D (A2015.273.1.32a): 52 3/16 × 27 9/16 × 2 3/8 in. (132.5 × 70 × 6 cm)
• Dimensions: H x W x D (A2015.273.1.32b): 2 5/8 × 72 7/16 × 3/16 in. (6.7 × 184 × 0.4 cm)
• Place made: United States, North and Central America
• Topic: African American
• Topic: Band (Music)
• Topic: Clothing and dress
• Topic: Composers (Musicians)
• Topic: Conductors (Musicians)
• Topic: Dance
• Topic: Jazz (Music)
• Topic: Singers (Musicians)
• Object number: A2015.273.1.32ab
• Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam
• Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of African American History and Culture through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed. The underlying object's rights statement is: Unknown – Restrictions Possible Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.