Stephens
College Costume Research Library
The
Costume Research Library, begun in 1958, has grown by donations
from alumnae, friends and designers to more than 12,000 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 Research Library moved to its
new permanent location, Lela
Raney Wood Hall, on the Stephens College campus. The Historic
Costume Gallery opened to the public in October 2006. View
Historic Costume Gallery information.
Recent news
Oleg
Cassini Fashion Displayed at Stephens (Columbia Missourian
article).
Stephens College Receives duPont Grant to Digitize Costume Research Collection
Samples from the Collection
“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).
Special Feature: Wedding Dress Collection
The below pictured wedding dresses were
featured in the 2004 Historic Fashions Calendar Series: The
Wedding Dress.
The dresses are as follows (from left to right): 1940s dressmaker wedding suit with MGM/Hollywood female icon styling, silk satin jacket, nine-foot train with lace, 38 covered buttons; 1910s wedding dress inspired by Art Nouveau, dressmaker or homemade, with silk charmeuse wrapped/draped bodice; 1985 dress, created by Mary McFadden, an American designer, that utilizes McFadden's "Fortuny" pleating, Egyptian styling and trim detail; 1964, Montaldo's label dress with Cassini/Jackie Kennedy styling, cotton/silk brocade, six-foot train, frog closures and covered buttons on center back; 1980s Priscilla of Boston gown by John Burbidge with white chiffon/taffeta and individual flower/sequin applique.
Delicate 3-D chiffon flower applique with sequin centers.
