See more objects with the tag pattern, brightly colored, intricate, batik, geometrical.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2015

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2025

  • You found it!

Dress, made with textiles from the Tell collection

This is a Dress. It was designed by Michiel Schuurman and manufactured by Vlisco.

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Vlisco as part of Beauty—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.

It is dated 2015. Its medium is wax resist printed on plain weave cotton, direct rotation print on plain weave cotton.

Vlisco specializes in Dutch wax prints, the brightly colored, elaborately patterned cotton textiles popular in West and Central Africa. Made using an industrialized version of the Indonesian batik process, Vlisco’s prints represent an ongoing dialogue between Dutch designers and local African traders, who often suggest colorways or themes to Vlisco. Local tailors fashion the wax fabrics into bespoke dresses and suits. For many, Vlisco fabrics symbolize West and Central African fashion and culture.

It is credited Courtesy of Vlisco Netherlands B.V..

  • Border, Amandla
  • screen-printed on paper.
  • Gift of African Home, Inc..
  • 1993-142-10
  •

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This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Beauty—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/69155373/ |title=Dress, made with textiles from the Tell collection |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=5 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>