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.
Quinceanera dress
slideshow with 7 slides
- date made
- 2006
- distributor
- P.C. Mary's Inc.
- wearer
- Flores, Natalia
- maker
- unknown
- Location
- Currently not on view
- place made
- China
- place used
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- Associated Place
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- subject
- Latino
- Quinceanera
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Costume
- Family & Social Life
- Clothing & Accessories
- Credit Line
- Gift of Natalia Flores
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- 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
- Record ID
- nmah_1357209
