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Siamese Costume from The King and I

This ornately detailed two-piece costume, worn by a palace guard, is from the 1956 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The King and I" starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. This is an incredible piece of history. The top, a heavy taffeta material, is completely lined, has long sleeves and a zipper in the back. Two separate straps crisscross in the back and travel over the shoulders and cross again in the front to meet and attach at each side. Over the front cross is a separate diamond shaped ornate piece and the shoulders have separate decorated stiff pieces that come to a point and curve. There is an amazing amount of detail in the decoration with different shapes, silver decorations, pearls, etc. The top has a Western Costume label inside and was purchased at a Western Costume auction with the tags that say made in 1956 by designer Irene Sharpfr, still attached. It measures 24 in. at the waist, with 23 in. sleeves that zip at the wrist. The pants have a Western Costume label inside with the name and number of the wearer, Florida Romero. They have a 22 in. waist with a patterned ribbon and are made of the same ruby red taffeta as the top with an emerald green taffeta lining. The material overlaps in the back of the legs and folds to show an emerald green lining that travel down to the calf creating a striking contrast to the exterior material. The pants have a drop crotch. The lot comes with and 8 x 10 in. color photo of a lobby card from "The King and I" and also with a picture of a similar costume in use. All measurements are approximate. The top has wear from use and age and some fraying at the cuffs with some pulling at the front and side seams. The ornamentation is in good condition. The pants are in good condition. Presented in association with JulienEntertainment.com

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