KENT, OHIO β The ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ Museum announces the opening of βHead to Toeβ on Feb. 2, 2023. On view through Jul. 23, 2023, the trilogy of exhibitions draws from the ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ Museumβs permanent collection. Highlighting hats, coats, and shoes, visitors will see the evolution of these essential garments as styles, technologies and trends evolve. βWe are pleased to share the traditions and design changes in the apparel that protects us from the weather, keeps us comfortable, and very stylish. Visitors will also experience the outstanding quality and the many treasures in the KSU Museum collection,β states Museum Director and curator of the exhibitions, Sarah J. Rogers.
βItβs a Wrap! Coatsβ showcases an array of 20th century and 21st century men's and womenβs coats. The sources for the coats, especially womenβs coats, that stem from menswear traditions including the Chesterfield, Frock, Pea, Mourning, Puffer, Duster, and the Trench. These elegant and functional garments will be in the Stager Gallery.
βHeads up! Hatsβ highlights how hats can take the wearer from the practical to the ridiculous. This includes designs dating back to the 19th century and well-known milliners like Peter Bentley, Bes-Ben, Patricia Underwood, and Patrick Treacy. These will be on view in the Blum Gallery.
βStepping Out! Shoesβ looks at the shoe designs from the 19th century today. This will be a treat for everyone, especially the shoe fanatic. Until the 20th century shoemakers were unknown to anyone other than the customer. Today, shoe designers are superstars, often known by one nameβFerragamo, Manolo, or Louboutin. The shoes will be displayed in the Stager/Blum Hallway Gallery.
βHead to Toeβ is made possible by the Ohio Arts Council.
ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ the ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ Museum
The ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ Museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive, at the corner of East Main Street and South Lincoln Street in ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ, Ohio. It features more than 29,000 pieces in its collection, amassed from many generous donors. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the museum or in advance through the museumβsβ―online ticketing service.
Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children ages 5 to 17. The museum is free for children under 5 and for those with a ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State ID. Sunday admission is free for all ages. Parking is free for all museum attendees. Patrons should use the allotted museum spaces in the Rockwell Hall parking lot. For more information, please call 330-672-3450 or visitβ―www.kent.edu/museum.
Images: (Left) Halston, ca. 1962-63, Gift of the Estate of Phyllis P. Peckham, In Memory of Phyllis P. Peckham, KSUM 2000.2.15; (Middle) Patrick Kelly, 1980s, Gift of Martha Inc., KSUM 1990.30.1; (Right) Roger Vivier for Agnes B, 1990s, Gift of ABW Enterprises, KSUM 1999.19.2