Stephens College has a long reputation for excellence in fashion and is, in fact, considered one of the top 50 schools for fashion in the world. We bring the art of fashion to the community through public events, including an annual fashion show, and by exhibiting items from our Costume Museum & Research Library.
Our fashion design students work all school year to turn their concepts into designs and designs into garments that they proudly reveal at the annual student designer fashion show, The Collections. Students are charged with coming up with creative denim and weekend wear, contemporary sportswear, and tailored designs. Fashion design seniors are responsible for entire collections. Each year specialty design categories such as garments with a social cause or engineered printing on fabric are part of the runway experience. The Collections will be held on April 16, 2016. Check back for details. Read more about the student designer fashion show.
Two public exhibits are held in the Historic Costume Gallery (on the mezzanine floor of Lela Raney Wood Hall, 6 N. College Ave.) throughout the year. All exhibits are free and open to the public. All items displayed are pulled from the Costume Museum & Research Library. Established in 1958, the library 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.
Among the many designers represented are Oleg Cassini, Arnold Scaasi, 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 1730 allows students to study not only garment construction but fashion trends that provide inspiration for current styles with actual hands-on experience. Archival storage areas protect the integrity of the collection, and classroom space allows for research and lecture discussions.
Fall 2015 Exhibit
REEL to REAL: Hollywood’s Influence on American Fashion
This exhibit explores how Hollywood films’ fashion influenced American dress through the 20th century.
Oct. 16-Dec. 13, 2015
Exhibit Hours:
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays
12 to 3 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays
Press:
The Columbia Daily Tribune: "Lights, Camera, Fashion."
KBIA: Intersection: Exploring Stephens College Reel to Real Exhibit
Past Shows:
Spring 2015: The Day, The Dress, The Dream
Fall 2014: Faux Real
Spring 2014: Her Story
Fall 2013: Bohemian Rhapsody
Spring 2013: Emergence
See photos from the current and past exhibits
For more information:
Costume Museum & Research Library
Stephens College
School of Design
Campus Box 2042
1200 E. Broadway
(573) 876-7220
See a full calendar of Stephens events here.