When students walk into LSU’s Human Ecology building, they’re met with stale air, muted colors, and outdated furniture. This overlooked building generally produces an unsettling feeling of emptiness in the dull hallways.
Yet, down the hall, there’s a whole separate world: modern white walls, framed pictures of historical fashion moments and a mass of elegant, colorful gowns, accessories and hats.
Taking in this sight, students know they’ve entered LSU’s Textile and Costume Museum.
The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, and the current one is “Women Fashioning Women”, a look into the textiles and ideas of lesser-known female designers. This exhibition made its debut on Oct. 1, 2023, and will go until Mar. 28, 2024.
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Featuring the work of over 40 designers, including Vera Maxwell, Anne Fogarty and Mary McFadden, the exhibit has pieces from 1902 to 2022, representing fashion trends from every decade.
LSU professor Dr. Michael Mamp researched, developed and curated the theme and garments for this exhibition, pulling from the LSU Textile and Costume Museum collection.
“All design is cyclical – especially in fashion, nothing is new,” Mamp said. “This exhibition allows people to view the aesthetics and craftsmanship of various designers and makers across an approximately 115-year period.”
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Around the museum, students can look at iconic creations such as Maxwell’s ”Speed Suit”, Fogarty’s “Récamier Dress” and even some of Kim Mulkey‘s closet staples.
Aside from hoping people enjoy the beauty of this collection, Mamp wants viewers of the exhibit to understand the history and meaning behind these garments.
“Surprisingly, in an industry often supported by women, the accomplishments of women fashion designers are less documented by fashion historians,” Mamp said. “Their stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated.”
