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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. 

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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

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  • WomensHistory@si.edu

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