‘A Star is Born’ Exhibit Channels Hollywood

Stephens College Costume and Research Museum Gallery opens to the public for the first time in over four years 

A new collaboration among the Stephens College MFA in TV and Screenwriting, the Fashion Program, and Costume Museum and Research Gallery has led to a new fashion gallery featuring the clothing of films from the 1930s through 2021. 

The new exhibit, A Star is Born: How Fashion Supported Screen Writers in Creating Iconic Female Characters, is the gallery’s first public exhibit since 2019. It celebrates women in screenwriting, fashion, and the arts, showcasing ways the industries influenced women worldwide to follow the “Hollywood” style. Some of the chosen films represent women connected to Stephens College, to Columbia, and to Missouri.     

The exhibit was first opened as part of the International Screenwriting Research Network Conference September 21-23 at Stephens College. 

The Stephens College Costume Musuem Gallery,located in Lela Raney Wood Hall at the north end of the mezzanine level, has free admission and is open to the public on Thursdays — October 5, 12, 19, and 26, and Nov. 2 and 9 — from 12:30-1:20 p.m. For groups of five or more, call 573-876-2312 for a private showing.   

The Stephens College Costume Museum and Research Library is Missouri’s most extensive collection of historical garments, holding more than 13,000 garments and accessories, with pieces dating back to 1730. 

Among the many designers represented are Chanel, Oleg Cassini, Arnold Scaasi, Gilbert Adrian, Bill Blass, Bonnie Cashin, Courreges, Madame Etta, Claire McCardell, Norman Norell, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino. 

Established in 1958, the archive has grown by donations from alumnae, friends and designers. The working collection allows students to study garment construction and fashion trends that provide inspiration for current styles. Archival storage areas protect the integrity of the collection, and classroom space allows for research and lecture discussions.