Americana, Antiques, and Collectibles
Lot 275:
Description
This lot comprises a two-piece professional-grade bedlah style belly dance costume and a collection of four original black and white promotional photographs. The ensemble, dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s, consists of a halter-neck bra-style top and a matching wrap-around hip belt. Both pieces are constructed on a durable black fabric foundation and are extensively decorated. The ornamentation includes dense layers of orange and golden-metallic bugle bead fringe, lower tiers of magenta-red thread fringe, orange sequins, and clear rhinestone trimming. The top features heavily padded and structured cups with a plunging V-neckline and two sequined side straps that fasten at the back. The wide hip belt is similarly embellished and features a five-petal iridescent white sequined floral appliqu? on the front. Fastenings consist of metal hook-and-eye closures, with the belt providing multiple adjustment points. The interior of the garments reveals significant hand-stitching and historical repairs consistent with custom-made stage attire. The accompanying photographs depict a performer from the same era in a similar style of mid-century dance costume.
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