Drawing from the rich collection of Kent State University Museum, this exhibition showcases common features shared by regional costume across Europe. In its original context in villages, regional dress carefully marked social and cultural differences. Religious affiliation, gender, age, and marital status were all instantly recognizable at a glance by members of the community. A person’s outfit signaled which village or region they came from. Focusing on these signs of difference obscures the common vocabulary that rural residents across Europe used to shape their clothing.

Award winning artist and beloved professor, Janice Lessman-Moss is renowned for her intricate weavings. The Kent State University Museum exhibition, Dancing with the Distance showcases more than twenty of her works. The weavings, which span a period of nearly thirty years, display the evolution of her craft and were created on a variety of different looms from hand looms to digital jacquards and power looms. Her mastery of technology extends not just to the use of high-powered looms for weaving but also to the design of the patterns.

We live in a world where fashion, celebrity and personality are inextricably intertwined and elevated to heights of global phenomena. A singular name — Cher, Madonna, Naomi or even Bernie — denotes an immediate and comprehensive image of personae, values and impact. The name Chanel has endured for over 100 years: What does that tell us about the House of Chanel and what does that reveal about us?

TEXTURES  synthesizes research in history, fashion, art, and visual culture to reassess the “hair story” of peoples of African descent. Long a fraught topic for African Americans and others in the diaspora, Black hair is here addressed by artists, barbers, and activists in both its historical perceptions and its ramifications for self and society today. Combs, products, and implements from the collection of hair pioneer Willie Morrow are paired here with masterworks from artists including James Van Der Zee, Sonya Clark, Lorna Simpson, Mary Sibande and Zanele Muholi.

KSU Fashion Student and Museum Intern Pierce Morgan was inspired by a purse he found in the Museum collection which had an assortment of personal items including a baby picture, Green Stamps, and a Christmas list.  He was intrigued by what stories and mysteries might be held in other bags and so he curated this display that helps us imagine.

This collection of handbags comes to the KSU Museum from longtime friend and supporter of the Museum, Audrey M. Kail.  Mrs. Kail passed away early this year and she wanted her sparkling collection of bags by Judith Leiber and Kathrine Baumann to be shared with students and the public for years to come.