Natalia Flores' Quinceañera Dress

A dress, a tradition, and a transition to señorita

To Chicagoan Natalia Flores, this gown seemed the perfect option to wear to her quinceañera (or simply quince), a coming-of-age celebration held throughout Latin America and Latinx communities. Part birthday party and part religious rite of passage, the event marks the symbolic moment when a 15-year-old Latina becomes a young woman. Quinceañera ceremonies typically begin at a Catholic church, with a blessing attended by close family and friends. After the ceremony, the elegant niña heads to a jubilant reception rich in symbolism.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Quinceanera dress

distributor: P.C. Mary's Inc.
wearer: Flores, Natalia
: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Credit Line: Gift of Natalia Flores

2006

ID Number: 2009.0169.001
accession number: 2009.0169
catalog number: 2009.0169.001

Object Name: dress
Object Type: Main Dress; Entire Body; Woman; Dress

Physical Description: polyester (overall material); nylon (overall material); beading (neckline material); sequins (bodice material)
Measurements: skirt length: 42 1/2 in; 107.95 cm; bodice length: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm; overall length: 53 1/4 in; 135.255 cm; inside sleeve length: 18 in; 45.72 cm

place made: China
place used: United States: Illinois, Chicago
Associated Place: United States: Illinois, Chicago

National Museum of American History

subject: Latino; Quinceanera

Record ID: nmah_1357209

Usage of Metadata (Object Detail Text): CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-3efe-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Natalia Flores' Quinceañera Dress

A dress, a tradition, and a transition to señorita

Quinceanera dress

Discover Her Story