Object of the Day

"Hello, Dolly" Dress Worn by Carol Channing

January 31

One of the most distinctive comediennes of her generation, Carol Channing (b. 1921) catapulted to stardom as the baby-voiced heroine of the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes(1949). Nearly two decades later, her performance as the resourceful Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! (1964) reaffirmed her standing as a theatrical superstar. Her return to the role of Dolly in various revivals of the show has made the part undoubtedly hers. This red satin, sequin-bedecked costume, designed by Freddy Wittop, was worn by Channing in the vibrant production number built around the show's title song.