This book page is opened to a framed illustration of a dark skinned figure dancing with arms overhead, one arm and one leg each out of frame, mid-movement. The tutu is a loose polka-dot against white, with a deep v-neck and matching headband and white shoes. The fringe around the waist is drawn with loose, faded lines and bold, thick black lines. Above the frame reads 'Cotton Club' and has Willi Smith's signature next to the bent, visible leg of the dancer.

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Object Timeline

1985	Work on this object began.
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2021	We acquired this object.
2024	You found it!

Sketchbook, Cotton Club Gala Costume Designs

This is a Sketchbook. It was designed by Willi Smith. It is dated 1985 and we acquired it in 2021. Its medium is pen and ink, collage, fabric swatches on paper. It is a part of the department.

Smith’s sketchbook is opened to a spread of costume design drawings for The Original Cotton Club-Gala presented by La MaMa Experimental Theater and WilliWear Ltd. in 1985. Smith’s designs for the costumes were inspired by his travels in Senegal and the costumes Black American entertainers wore when performing at the original Cotton Club in Harlem from 1923–1940.

This object was donated by Mark Bozek. It is credited Gift of Mark Bozek.

Its dimensions are

Open: H x W: 27.9 × 44.5 cm (11 in. × 17 1/2 in.)

Cite this object as

Sketchbook, Cotton Club Gala Costume Designs; Designed by Willi Smith; pen and ink, collage, fabric swatches on paper; Open: H x W: 27.9 × 44.5 cm (11 in. × 17 1/2 in.); Gift of Mark Bozek; 2021-28-4

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Willi Smith: Street Couture.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/4wUtcn/
Accession Number 2021-28-4
Object ID 2318802495