Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

Coming Soon! Campus Fashion 150: Celebrating Ohio State’s Sesquicentennial

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This fall (2019) The Ohio State University begins celebrating its 150th anniversary and we are doing our part with an exhibition that takes a look at what people were wearing on college campuses for the past 150 years. We will feature what people wore to class, what they wore in the dorms (today sometimes those garments are the same but that was not true in the past), what was worn to football games or other activities, and what clothing was worn for special occasions related to college life such as formals or joining honors societies, fraternities or sororities.

Maxine and Loyal Richard while students at Ohio State University in 1932. Looks like they are going to a football game!

Formal gown worn by Ruth Weinman Herndon when a Freshman at OSU in 1925

If you have any clothing worn during your college years, or if you were in Human Ecology or Home Economics programs and made clothing for class projects, we would like to know about it for potential inclusion in the exhibition. Of course we would also be interested in the stories that accompany these items of clothing and give us a glimpse into the lives of past students.

Please contact curator, Gayle Strege at 614-292-0664 or strege.2@osu.edu with any information. We can accept potential loans up till June 30, 2019.

On Exhibit: “The Evolution of Modern Swimwear”

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The Unsuit, 1980s

While swimming has been around in some form or another for centuries, it has only gained true recognition as an activity relatively recently. In the early 20th century, swimming gained notoriety as a legitimate pastime, and therefore designated clothes for such an activity needed to be created. Specialized clothing worn for swimming is relatively recent in the long history of people wearing clothes. The term swimsuit was formally coined in 1915, creating its own space in the fashion industry forever.

Fabric detail of a 1920s wool knit swimming costume

Swimwear, just like any other form of fashion, parallels the changing styles and trends of the times, including colors and silhouettes. For example, swimsuits for men and women were generally similar until the 1930s and 1940s, when styles for men shifted to 2 pieces outfits and finally into the concept of the swim trunks that is seen more popularly today. These suits also reveal the technological and design advances behind swimwear. This includes the advent of bra-sized swimwear for a more specialized fit, as well as a bathing suit which attempted to eradicate tan lines.

Paisley print and ruching detail from a 1950s swim suit

This small collection of swimwear acts as an extension of the “Sports & Fashion” exhibit exploring the overlaps in sportswear and fashion over the last few centuries. For a closer look at these swimsuits, visit the Thompson Library Special Collections Display Cases. This exhibit has been extended through July 7, 2019.

For the Birds

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1960s hat decorated with dyed pheasant feathers

1970s Givenchy evening ensemble with green and white ostrich feather sleeveless coat

The National Geographic Society has designated 2018 as “The Year of the Bird” in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treat Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. So, we too are celebrating with artifacts that depict birds and/or feathers in some form. Bird feathers have been used for decoration in many cultures in addition to western fashion, sometimes almost leading to extinction. While feathers decorating women’s hats were partially to blame in the late 19th century, unregulated sport and market hunting and “boys’ mischief” were bigger factors.

Detail of embroidery depicting a crane on a Japanese wedding kimono c. 1980

Depictions of birds such as the phoenix, crane, and peacock in East Asian textiles hold symbolic meanings. The Phoenix represents the Empress and cranes often appear on wedding kimono as a symbol of faithfulness and longevity. Use of peacock feathers are also considered taboo on the theatrical stage.

Visit the Thompson Library Special Collections Display Cases for additional artifacts celebrating The Bird!

Jane Austen Remembered

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Jane Austen Remembered at Thompson Library

First edition Austen novels from Rare Books and Manuscripts Library

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jane Austen’s novels enjoy a huge popularity in spite of the shortness of her career, which ended at the age of 42 on July 18, 1817.

In recognition of her work and popularity, three Austen-era dresses from the HCTC accompanied by three first edition Austen novels from the OSU Rare Books and Manuscripts Library are on exhibit through December 15, 2017 at the Thompson Library in a large display case adjacent to the gallery on the first floor. More about Austen is covered on our blog.

c. 1817 silk evening dress

1797-1810 silk stripe day dress

 

1800-1810 cotton apron-front dress

Note: the apron front dress will be moving to the Cartoon Couture exhibit at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum on November 2, but available for viewing there beginning November 4 through April 15, 2018.

All Wrapped Up: A Sampling of Fashionable Outerwear

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January 26 – April 29, 2017

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection celebrates the winter into spring months of Spring Semester with an exhibition of the garments that help keep us warm and dry. “All Wrapped Up,” is a history of fashion in the shape of capes, coats, and cloaks. Luxurious evening wraps share space with iconic trench coats and other functional and fun outer garments that are used for protective and decorative purposes alike. Examples of both men’s and women’s outerwear are featured.

 

Welcome

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is a scholarly and artistic resource of apparel and textile material culture. The 11,500+ holdings encompass a range of three dimensional objects such as textiles and articles of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including national dress costume, from the mid-18th century to contemporary 21st century designers.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome to tour exhibitions when they are on display in gallery spaces. Gallery hours and location can be found on the visit us page or you may contact us for upcoming information on exhibitions, programs, and events.

Research

The Collection is available to researchers by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call or email to make arrangements.

Contact Us

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection
175 Campbell Hall
1787 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210

Telephone: (614) 292-3090
Fax: (614) 688-8133
Email: strege.2@osu.edu