Images(3)

Costume, Dance

Object number2016.32.6

Date1985-2005

MediumFabric/Velvet/Metal

Credit LineGift of Mary Ferro

DescriptionBlack velvet vest. Open down front. Metal hook-and-eye fastener near halfway between center and bottom of front opening.Dimensions22.625 x 23.25 in. (57.5 x 59.1 cm)
MarksThree white fabric tags with maker's marks inside proper right seam near bottom edge:
Left tag has black text "DRY / CLEAN / ONLY";
Right bottom tag has red and blue text and decoration "INT. LADIES GARMENT / UNION / MADE / ILGWU / AFL CJO / WORKERS UNION / Made in U. S. A.";
and right top tag has black text "Lot / Size 38".
Historical NotesA vest similar to this was worn with the Sicilian costume (2016.32.1), the Neapolitan costume (2016.32.4), and the Sorrento costume (2016.32.5). Part of the I Campagnoli costume collection. This collection of costumes belonged to Mary Ferro, a lifetime member and former co-director, of the Italian folk and dance troupe I Campagnoli. Sponsored by the Italian Sons and Daughters of America in the early 1960s, I Campagnoli was first directed by Professor Lorenzo Malfatti and Eugene Ricotti (later Richards). Initially, members were primarily Italian immigrants. I Campagnoli met weekly and learned a wide range of Italian folk music collected by Malfatti; members also learned corresponding dances. The music was primarily in Italian dialect from various regions of Italy. In the late 1960s, the donor's mother, Jane Ferro, took over as director for I Campagnoli. She organized their participation in various folk festivals in the United States, in addition to the opening of the Italian section of Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park. Ferro also brought I Campagnoli to Italy where they performed in cities such as Lucca, Rome, and Venice. In this collection of costumes, each costume worn by I Campagnoli members was handmade by female members of the ISDA to reflect the region the music and dances belonged to. In general, blues, greens, and purples would be worn by northerners while brighter reds, greens, and maroons were worn by southerners. Those who lived closer to the sea would be found wearing various shades of blue. In addition to color, the headdress distinguished the region from which the costume originated. Also, aprons were the most decorated part of the costume as designs and trimmings were hand-woven into the fabric.

Previous owner Mary Ferro

Related institution I Campagnoli

Related institution Italian Sons and Daughters of America

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