Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

College of Education and Human Ecology
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Fashion & Music

September 24, 2021 by Gayle Strege

 

EXPLORE THE INTERSECTIONS OF FASHION AND MUSIC FROM FOLK TO ROCK TO HIPHOP

Curated by Julie Hillery, PhD and Marlise Schoeny

September 24, 2021 through April 30, 2022

The Gallery will be temporarily closed March 15-16 due to building facilities testing and open March 17-18 by appointment only due to student gallery monitors off for spring break. Contact 614-292-3090 for appointment.

long sequin evening gown shading from yellow at shoulders to green at hips and blue at hem

Halston sequin gown similar to gowns worn by Motown artists, The Supremes

leather motorcycle jacket with arm patches of Union Jack flag and skull, shoulder epaulets have spike studs

Motorcycle jacket worn to punk concerts decorated with spikes on shoulders and band patches

Music and dress are a reflection of society at any given point in time. The diverse population of the United States has always, and continues to, influence both music and fashion. This exhibition displays artifacts tracing the history of American music and their influence on fashion. Beginning with the turn of the 20th century, it follows the relationship between fashion and music from its beginnings in vaudeville and with itinerant country singers to the current fashion companies run by rap superstars. From folk music to hip-hop, and related dress trends, from flapper dresses to Timberland boots, this exhibit provides examples of the interplay between music and fashion trends. Moreover, it examines how human behavior is influenced by the use of dress and how music serves as a means of communication between individuals.

Over 50 examples are on display in the Gladys Keller Snowden gallery, along with interactive links to listen to the top 10 songs of the decades of the 20th century.

A digital version of the exhibition can be viewed on our Fashion2fiber.osu.edu digital gallery platform. Click here

Filed Under: Carousel, Current Exhibition, Exhibitions, Features

Campus Fashion: 150 Years of College Style

May 30, 2019 by Gayle Strege

You can view a digital version of this exhibition online by visiting our Fashion2fiber website, or you can just view the gallery installation here.

The Ohio State University began celebrating its 150th anniversary this academic year 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. The exhibit features 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

In addition, we are featuring some student projects from design, construction, pattern-making and tailoring classes from years past. Pictures from the OSU Archives photograph collection in the exhibition highlight student life over the decades. A particular interesting series highlights the evolution of classes in Nutrition and Fashion from the early days of the Department of Domestic Science, and School of Home Economics.

Spotlights about alumni who’ve worn clothing in the exhibition include Grace Heck Faust, who graduated OSU Law School in 1930 (one of two female law graduates) and was the first woman in Ohio to be elected as a prosecuting attorney.

Dr. Ruth E. Moore is another notable OSU alumna. She received all her degrees at Ohio State and was the first African American woman to earn a PhD in a natural Science. She taught at Howard University Medical College and also chaired the Department of Bacteriology from 1947-58.

 

Gallery location and hours can be found here

Filed Under: Carousel, Exhibitions, Past Exhibitions

“The Evolution of Modern Swimwear”

December 12, 2018 by Olivia Lowe

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.

Filed Under: Exhibitions, Past Exhibitions

For the Birds

July 13, 2018 by Gayle Strege

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!

Filed Under: Exhibitions, Past Exhibitions

Jane Austen Remembered

October 27, 2017 by Gayle Strege

 

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.

Filed Under: Exhibitions, Features, Past Exhibitions

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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.

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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.

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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

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