A suit ensemble worn by jazz musician and actor Dexter Gordon to a 1987 Oscars party, as well as in the Dec 1987 / Jan 1988 issue of Vogue Paris.

The ensemble includes a black crystal-studded tuxedo jacket, no size or label present; a pair of velvet-banded wool flannel pants, no size or label present; a white pleated formal shirt with grey pearl studs, labeled "Adolfo," size 18-37; a black satin vest, no size or label present; a black satin bow tie, no size or label present; and a pair of black patent leather loafers, labeled "Bally," size 13, with Shoekeepers by Rochester wooden shoe stretchers.

The tuxedo, vest, and tie were designed and custom-tailored for Dexter Gordon by Arthur McGee, one of the first African-American designers to run a design studio on Seventh Avenue in the Garment District of New York City. Arthur McGee made all of Dexter Gordon’s clothes from 1986 until his death in 1990. McGee also designed for luminaries like Miles Davis, Cicely Tyson, Lena Horne, Stevie Wonder Richard Burton, and Phyllis Hyman.

Dexter wore the suit ensemble on March 31, 1987 to the Academy Awards Ceremony held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. Gordon was nominated that year for "Best Actor in a Leading Role" for his performance as "Dale Turner" in Round Midnight (Little Bear, 1986). Paul Newman took home the Oscar that night for his role in The Color of Money.

Includes a copy of the Dec 1987/Jan 1988 issue of Vogue Paris as well as multiple Guernsey's tags.

PROVENANCE Lot 167A "Jazz Auction" Guernsey's, New York, NY, February 20, 2005

Clothing & Jewelry