The Lois Jett Historic Costume Collection (LJHCC) in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Illinois State University invites the public to the collection’s new exhibition, Play of Color, running through February 10, 2023.
Play of Color showcases 15 ensembles from the 20th century that range in style, occasion, texture, and season and tell a color story. The curation is that of an art exhibit and the viewer’s senses will be peeked by the play of color.
The exhibition was planned and installed by students in the fashion design and merchandising program at Illinois State. According to exhibition lead curators Ye Fatuki ‘22 and Julie Mooberry ‘23, the goal is to have the viewer consider and feel the differences between warm and cool colors.
Collaborating on this exhibit drew on both Fatuki and Mooberry’s individual strengths. Fatuki, who has an eye for design and is not afraid to expand boundaries, said, “I really liked the whole collection and the idea that we developed. It was pretty fun for us, and I really enjoyed it.”
Mooberry wants the viewer to slowly take in the collection and feel the colors and contrast.
“Through my experience working in the bridal industry, I’ve found that color can impact your mood and draw on your memories,” said Mooberry.
Color is powerful from both physical and psychological perspectives—it can raise or lower your blood pressure and can influence your buying practices.
This free exhibition is located at 126 Turner Hall on Illinois State’s campus and is open to the campus and surrounding community.
The LJHCC was created in 1962 by Lois Jett, a professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Over the years, the collection has expanded to more than 2,000 items of men’s, women’s, and children’s dress and related artifacts from around the world dating from the 1840s to today. Follow the LJHCC on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and additional information about holdings.
Gallery hours through December 9, 2022 are Tuesdays 12–2 p.m., Wednesdays 2–4 p.m., and Thursdays 10 a.m.–12 p.m. From January 30 to February 10, 2023 it will be open Tuesdays, 11am-1pm and Wednesdays, 10am-12pm. To schedule additional times Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., or for more information, contact LJHCC director Jennifer Banning.
