Kent State University Museum — Attraction in Kent

New York has FIT Museum, Ohio has The Kent State University Fashion Museum. KSUFM is housed in the grand building that one was the library, built in the Beaux arts style. In 1982 the collection of fashion, historic costume, paintings and decorative arts amassed by Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman. They were partners in Jerry Silverman, Inc., a manufacturer of better dresses on Seventh Avenue in New York City. Since then many famous and notable patrons and alumni have contributed in many ways. The KSUFM always impresses with world-class exhibitions that are substantial, interesting, and educational. My personal criteria for excellence in any endeavor is simple: is it coherent, relevant, and organized? Whatever "it" may be. These criteria were met on all counts here, as on othervisits. All presentations relate to some aspect of fashion, though for years two galleries presented Ohio decorative arts as well. Always superbly curated, on this visit we were rewarded with an exhibitions of: women's purses and handbags, an overview of fashion the 21st C, the history of Black women's hair styles and related art, the timelessness of Chanel, and handworked ethnic clothes with embroidery, smocking and lace work. The staff are always pleasant and informative. When I leave I feel satisfied, and quite a bit awed yet eager for...

An absolutely fabulous museum that rotates it's substantial treasure trove of resplendent creations often. It's a luxurious place to learn about history, sociology, and couture designs over the last two centuries. The permanent collection is magnificent and each revolving exhibition is worth exploring at length. People come from all over the globe to study the latest trends at this acclaimed school of fashion and design. The school’s world-class reputation extends to this marvelous public museum. It's recently reopened and the staff has gone to great lengths to make sure it's safe yet comfortable to browse through. Make sure you take the time to check out the splendor on display in the gift shop; it is always stocked with original pieces of jewelry, gorgeous accessories, and wearable original pieces - some even designed by the students who are all destined to become stellar in their chosen...

We came specifically to see the costumes from Wicked but were pleasantly surprised with additional exhibitions (clothing on display from Katherine Hepburn, Aileen Mehle, and North African fashion). The museum is smaller but worth the visit. I’ve never personally seen gowns by Tom Ford, Vivianne Westwood, or Oscar de la Renta in person before. Loved the permanent collections on display as well (Katherine Baumann and Judith Leiber clutches). For the fashion fan, this is a must-visit museum.

I’ll also add the older gentleman who greeted us in the lobby was very sweet...