Historic Costume Gallery
Matilda Magnus Price Historic Fashion Collection

Location: Historic Costume Gallery, Stephens College campus, mezzanine floor of Lela Raney Wood Hall, 6 N. College Ave.
Gallery hours: noon-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 5:30-8:30 Thursday. Special tours can be scheduled for groups of five or more.

Admission is free. Call (573) 876-7233 for more information.

2008-2009 Schedule
Additional exhibits will be scheduled throughout the year. Check back for details.
“Synthetic Evolution:
The Rise of Polyester and Other Synthetic Fibers”
Sept. 11, 2008 – Oct. 26, 2008
Opening reception: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11

Take a journey of synthetic fibers—whose timeline spans the invention of “artificial silk” rayon in the 1920s to the explosion of mass-produced polyester in the 1970s. A few war time gowns, a geometric print pantsuit, a neon pink hostess dress and a metallic jumpsuit outline the diverse collection of garments and other textile products integrated into this exhibit.

An interactive touch board allows visitors to experience the various fabric swatches. The exhibit also challenges visitors to spot the one garment that is silk and compare its appeal to the neighboring synthetic garments.

“All That Glitters”
Nov. 14 – Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 – Feb. 8
Opening reception: 6:30-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14

A collection of accessories from the late 19th and 20th centuries including items such as cigarette holders, pill boxes, fans, hat boxes and parasols. Among the items to be displayed will be groupings of accessories by designers such as Enid Collins, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel.

The gallery will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 14 to Feb. 7.


"Get Looped!
150 Years of Women's History Through Knits and Crochet
March 7-May 10
Opening reception: noon-3 p.m., March 7

From handwork at home to mass manufactured and couture knits to knits for a cause, explore the history of women (and a few good men) through our collection of knit garments and accessories. Highlights include samples from one woman’s lifetime collection of handmade knits, an 1860s’ knit and crochet bolero, and designer garments by Claire McCardell, Adolfo and Kansai Yamamoto. Stay a while and try your hand at knitting and crocheting!


Previous Schedules: 2007-2008 | 2006-2007

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