Fashion design and merchandising students in the Historic Costume course presented “Fashion A to Z,” an exhibit showcasing historical garments from Mississippi State University’s Historical Costume and Textiles Collection from March 16 until April 9 in the Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery, and the turnout was great.

“Fashion A to Z” introduced visitors to terminology, historical garments, footwear and accessories. There were over 26 pieces in the collection. Some of the most popular pieces included an elaborately beaded bodice from the 1890s, lace from the early 1900s, a pair of ‘space age’ boots from the 1960s and items from luxury design labels such as Vera Wang, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

Students in the costume course played an important part in “Fashion A to Z.” Class members picked and researched garments for the exhibitions. They selected a letter from the alphabet, then picked a garment or term that corresponded with that letter. They were involved in the layout, marketing, photography and graphic design for the event. They also learned how to handle the historical pieces.

Jesse Newton, sophomore   fashion                   design       and merchandising major from Eupora, Mississippi, is one of the students in the Historic Costume class who worked hard to present the event. He selected the letter “B,” so his work focused on beading and embroidery.  

Along with learning how to handle historical pieces, Newton said the ability to meet a woman who came to see her mother’s wedding dress from the 1910s that was donated to the collection was his favorite part of “Fashion A to Z.”

“It was really sweet how we could bring that memory back to life for her,” Newton said.

Katie Brown, senior fashion design and merchandising major from Olive Branch, Mississippi, was in charge of the publicity and the catering. She said her favorite part of the exhibition was planning the event.

“I learned a ton about planning an exhibition that I probably never would have learned about otherwise,” Brown said.

“Fashion A to Z” also marked the 30th anniversary for the MSU Historical Costume and Textiles Collection. The collection was founded in 1985 by Dr. Catherine Boyd. It includes garments, shoes, hats and accessories from the mid-1800s to present day.

The School of Human Sciences and the College of Architecture, Art and Design’s art department made the exhibition possible.

Lori Neuenfeldt, the instructor of the Historical Costume class and leader of the event, said she was pleased with this year’s outcome of “Fashion A to Z.”

“The show has been very popular. We’ve attracted a lot of students, faculty and a lot of people from out of town as well,” Neuenfeldt said.

“Fashion A to Z” proved not only to be a success but also a chance to share a little bit of history through thread, fabric, leather and jewels.