Three Ensembles by Arthur McGee, 1980s

The Arthur McGee Collection can be found in Lots 1 – 18. The collection includes 45 garments and ensembles designed by Arthur McGee (1933-2019), and an archive of personal and business records. A true trailblazer in the fashion world, McGee was the first African American to run the design room of an established Seventh Avenue apparel company in New York City. He was a highly influential designer and has inspired generations of designers through his talent and mentorship. This collection honors the legacy of Arthur McGee and exemplifies the elegant and innovative designs for which he became renowned. The net proceeds of the collection’s sale will benefit a scholarship for emerging fashion designers from Arthur McGee Legacy, LLC.

This lot contains three ensembles.

THE FIRST
Multicolored woven plaid top with spread collar, set in three-quarter length sleeves, and center front button closure; paired with matching pants with elastic waist band.
Label: Unlabeled, attributed to Arthur McGee

Approximate Measurements:
TOP
Shoulders: 19"
Chest: 46.25"
Waist: 47"
Hips: 47.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 29"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29.5"

PANTS
Waist: 40.25"
Hips: 45.25"
Length (side waist band to hem): 37.75"
Inseam: 25.25"

THE SECOND
Five-piece ensemble of wool or wool-blend black and white houndstooth check. The ensemble consists of more items than can be worn at one time. The items include: Jacket, top, pants, skirt, and shorts.
Label: Me and McGee for Alba

Approximate Measurements:
JACKET
Shoulder: 15.75"
Chest: 45"
Waist: 37.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 17.75"
Sleeve (center back neckline to hem): 27.75"

TOP
Shoulder: 17"
Chest: 44"
Waist: 41.5"
Hips: 41.75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 26.75"
Sleeve (center back neckline to hem): 18"

PANTS
Waist: 33.75"
Hips: 37.75"
Length (side waist band to hem): 36.5"
Inseam: 27"

SKIRT
Waist: 28.25"
Hips: 37.25"
Length (side waist band to hem): 23"

SHORTS
Waist: 36"
Hips: 41.25"
Length (side waist band to hem): 16.5"
Inseam: 4.75"

THE THIRD
Black and white silk blend plaid jacket with standard collar with buttons, set in long sleeves, two front hip welt pockets, and center front button closure; paired with matching skirt.
Label: Me and McGee for Alba (Label in skirt only)

Approximate Measurements:
JACKET
Shoulder: 18"
Chest: 45.75"
Waist: 44"
Hips: 43.25"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 31.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29"

SKIRT
Waist: 34.5"
Hips: 38.25"
Length (side waist band to hem): 28.5"

Collection courtesy of Arthur McGee Legacy, LLC, Johnetta Shearer and Maxine Gordon, Co-Directors

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is good. On the top, there are minor loose threads throughout the seams. On the pants, the waist band is unraveling, exposing the elastic.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is good. On the jacket, there are a few small spots along the front left panel. On the top, there is a dark spot on the front left panel along the hem. On the shorts, there is a large faint spot on the front left leg by the crotch. The pants have a small dark spot on the front left leg by the crotch.

THE THIRD
The overall condition is good. On the jacket, there is a faint spot on the bottom left side along the hem. There is also minor piling throughout the jacket and skirt.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

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Three Ensembles by Arthur McGee, 1980s

Collection courtesy of Arthur McGee Legacy, LLC, Johnetta Shearer and Maxine Gordon, Co-Directors

This lot is located in Chicago.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

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Three Ensembles by Arthur McGee, 1980s

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