Mission Statement

The mission of the Textile and Costume Collection centers on experiential learning and strives, through its diverse holdings, to illuminate the connection between history and the present day to ignite curiosity and inspire future generations.

Collection Overview

The Textile and Costume Collection reflects a vast range of cultures and historic periods, from Byzantine and Pre-Columbian textiles to the works of major 20th century fashion and textile designers, such as Claire McCardell, Charles James, Issey Miyake, Gilbert Adrian, Jack Lenor Larsen, and Dorothy Liebes. Highlights from our extensive global collection include ikat robes from Central Asia, Japanese kimono, molas from South and Central America, Kashmiri shawls, and Kuba cloth from Central Africa. Objects that document the textile manufacturing industry of the 20th century are a unique strength of our collection, including tools for knitting and weaving, color and design forecasting materials, trade journals, promotional materials, and sample books. Our vast historic textile collection includes printed, woven, and non-woven textiles in a wide range of materials and techniques.

How to access the collection
View the Textile and Costume Collection's materials online