(10/20/25) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU Textile and Costume Museum’s newest exhibit, “Dressing Louisiana: Histoires de la mode de la Louisiane,” opened to the public Oct. 5 in the Human Ecology building on the LSU campus.

“Dressing Louisiana” displays clothing and artifacts as vibrant as the lives of Louisiana natives. A wide variety of garments, from LSU athletics memorabilia to couture gowns, showcase the state’s diverse fashion culture. Louisiana fashion designers take the spotlight with featured displays for Ray Cole, Geoffrey Beene and Yvonne Lafleur.

Michael Mamp, the museum’s director and curator, shared his insight on the process and inspiration behind the exhibit.

“I have spent considerable time in the collection, touching every object, and as I did so, I was enamored with the many different stories of Louisiana that these objects in the collection told,” Mamp said. “As I became familiar with the objects in the collection, I thought I wanted to share these very unique fashion histories of Louisiana with the public.”

Mamp said the museum focuses on bringing attention to the untold stories of American fashion, women fashion designers, Louisiana and LSU histories.

The Young Men Illinois Club debutante ensemble on display captures one way the museum achieves its mission.

“You’ll see the Young Men Illinois Club, which is one of two historic black krewes in New Orleans,” Mamp said. “Founded in the late 19th century, it persists to this day as a way for there to be space for black debutantes to be presented to society. As far as I know, [this] is the first full ensemble of a Young Men Illinois Club queen in a museum collection ever.”

A ceremonial gown embellished with silver embroidery and dramatic shoulder detailing is displayed in the “Dressing Louisiana” exhibit. The gown, originally worn at a ball hosted by the Young Men Illinois Club, is accompanied by photographs and symbolic decorations highlighting the group’s legacy since its founding in 1926. Photo by Avery Williams/LSU AgCenter.

A mannequin dressed in Ray Cole’s pop art-inspired ensemble featuring stylized faces and bold colors stands before a swirling abstract backdrop at the LSU Textile and Costume Museum’s “Dressing Louisiana: Histoires de la mode de la Louisiane” exhibit. The display highlights the vibrant legacy of Louisiana fashion. Photo by Avery Williams/LSU AgCenter

Inaugural gowns worn by Louisiana first ladies are displayed in the LSU Textile and Costume Museum’s “Dressing Louisiana” exhibit, which opened Oct. 5 in the Human Ecology building. The collection explores how fashion reflects political identity and personal expression, with each gown representing a moment in the state’s history. Photo by Avery Williams/LSU AgCenter.

Vintage garments designed by Geoffrey Beene are featured in the LSU Textile and Costume Museum’s “Dressing Louisiana” exhibit, which opened Oct. 5 in the Human Ecology building. Beene’s internationally acclaimed work is showcased alongside other Louisiana fashion icons, highlighting the state’s influence on American style. Photo by Avery Williams/LSU AgCenter.

Other formal gowns line the walls of the exhibit. The first ladies of Louisiana’s inaugural dresses serve as a physical representation of Louisiana’s political and social history. Mamp discussed the specific considerations behind each first lady’s choice.

“First ladies negotiate very complex components of their identity and also their husband’s political platform through the choices that they make with their fashion,” Mamp said. “I’m particularly trying to make sure that I have the inaugural ball gown and the swearing in outfit from every first lady, which is important.”

In one corner of the room, Ray Cole’s colorful, bold fabrics contrast against the muted tones of Geoffrey Beene’s dresses.

“Ray Cole was truly more of an artist, a fiber artist, who was making one-of-a-kind art-to-wear pieces,” Mamp said. “He frequently said how the vibrant nature of New Orleans influenced his work. Conversely, Geoffrey Beene was someone who was based in New York City and had a mainstream fashion brand that was known internationally.”

The “Dressing Louisiana” exhibit is open through March 6. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 2 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month. The museum is located at 330 Tower Drive.

“Louisiana is a gumbo melting pot of people,” Mamp said. “The very eclectic and exuberant displays of fashion in this exhibition are a reflection of that.”

LSU athletics memorabilia are featured in the LSU Textile and Costume Museum’s “Dressing Louisiana” exhibit, which opened Oct. 5 in the Human Ecology building. The display honors the legacy of Louisiana athletes and showcases the evolution of sports fashion through jerseys, shoes and historic photographs. Photo by Emma Rey