Stephens College
Costume Museum & Research Library
The Costume Museum & Research Library, begun
in 1958, has grown by donations from alumnae, friends and designers
to more than 13,000 pieces, including representations of ethnic wear,
everyday clothes of women, men and children, and an impressive list
of designer garments. Oleg Cassini and Arnold Scaasi recently contributed
more than 200 garments to the collection. Among the many other designers
represented are Gilbert Adrian, Bill Blass, Bonnie Cashin, Chanel, Courreges,
Madame Etta, Claire McCardell, Norman Norell, Oscar de la Renta and
Valentino. This working collection of garments and accessories dating
back to 1790 allows students to study not only garment construction
but fashion trends that provide inspiration for current styles with
actual hands-on experience.
In Summer 2006, the Costume Museum & Research Library moved to its
new permanent location, Lela Raney Wood Hall, on the Stephens College
campus.
Costume Museum
The Costume Museum holds public exhibits on
the mezzanine floor of Lela Raney Wood
Hall, 6 N. College Ave. All exhibits are free and open to the public.
Recent news
- Song and style - Stephens College exhibit draws inspiration from the stage (Columbia Daily Tribune)
- Good Form (KBIA's "Off the Clock" Oct. 2 radio segment)
- Costume Box Vintage (Columbia Daily Tribune)
- Oleg Cassini Fashion Displayed at Stephens (Columbia Missourian)
- Stephens College Receives duPont Grant to Digitize Costume Research Collection
Samples from the Collection
Good
Form - Dress and Decorum for the Woman of Fashion, 1873-1911- "Synthetic
Evolution: The Rise of Polyester and Other Synthetic Fibers"
- “My
Other Skin: A Collection of Coats and Wraps from the Late 19th and
20th Centuries”
- "New
Year, New Acquisitions"
- Lela
Raney Wood Hall Costume Gallery
- Fashion
students help with CRL tea
- Mourning
Attire
- Mourning
Accessories
- Wedding
gowns(pdf)
- Various
garments, including a hat designed by Bob Mackie (pdf).
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