Belle and Beau suit worn by Dr. James Whittico

This Belle and Beau suit was made by Raymond Dennis for Dr. James Whittico. Belle and Beau was a well-known business in St. Louis’s Black community that operated from 1962 until 1997. Dennis described himself as a master tailor who made custom garments for his clients. He was one of the few Black tailors in the city crafting bespoke clothing, primarily menswear. Whittico, a prominent local doctor who worked as a surgeon and physician for the St. Louis Police Department (1967–1991), ordered several custom suits from Dennis during the 1960s.

Object Title and Accession Number

Belle and Beau suit worn by Dr. James Whittico. Made by Raymond Dennis, 1968. 2022-003-0001.

A gray suit laid flat on a white background.

A gray suit consisting of a buttoned blazer and matching trousers, laid flat on a white background. The fabric has a muted plaid design.

Close-up of label inside of jacket.

Close-up of a jacket's interior, featuring gray and plaid fabric. There are black fabric labels with elegant gold cursive initials, "Dr. J.W.," and white text reading "Belle & Beau Styles by Dennis, 2805 N. Kingshighway."