This exhibit examines the history of fashion at Kent State across two galleries. Materials installed in Special Collections & Archives’ Marovitz Gallery in University Library highlight the intellectual and personal contributions of home economists who developed clothing and textiles curricula at Kent State in the early- to mid-20th century. Materials exhibited in the Fashion Library at Rockwell Hall center the experiences and creativity of students, illustrating how they applied, interpreted and extended these lessons through their coursework and extracurricular activities. Together, these installations invite visitors to consider how early fashion curricula—rooted in resourcefulness, material care and social responsibility—can inspire more thoughtful, equitable and sustainable approaches to fashion today.   

The exhibit will remain on display through the end of the semester (including Fashion Week).

Curated by Dr. Lynda May Xepoleas, Assistant Professor of Fashion Design. 

Student life at Kent State University is vibrant and the spectrum of opportunities is broad and encompassing. Along with more than 350 student organizations, the KSU campus is also home to hundreds of activities, programs, and events each year. From athletics to theatre, politics to art, academics to music, this thriving student culture is not a new phenomenon, but rather a legacy that goes back to the University's early years.

This exhibit will take you on a journey from the 1920s to the 2020s to see what students have cared about and participated in throughout the University’s history. While not an exhaustive record of the groups that have existed, the documents and images in this exhibit represent a sample of materials created by KSU student organizations.