Introduction

Music and dress are a reflection of society at any given point in time. The diverse population of the United States has always, and continues to, influence both music and fashion. This exhibit displays artifacts tracing the history of American music and their influence on fashion. Beginning with the turn of the 20^th century, it follows the relationship between fashion and music from its beginnings in vaudeville and with itinerant country singers to the current fashion companies run by rap superstars. From folk music to hip-hop, and related dress trends, from flapper dresses to Timberland boots, this exhibit provides examples of the interplay between music and fashion trends. Moreover, it examines how human behavior is influenced by the use of dress and how music serves as a means of communication between individuals.

This exhibit is a collaboration between the Ohio State Historic Costume & Textiles Collection and Dr. Julie Hillery. Dr. Hillery is debuting a new Fashion and Retail Studies course in the Spring of 2022. This course, CSFRST 2375, explains and analyzes the interrelationships between music and fashion using theories from a variety of disciplines including sociology, psychology, consumer behavior and fashion/dress. Dr. Hillery worked with Assistant Curator Marlise Schoeny to select artifacts, research, and compose the label text found in this exhibit. Both Dr. Hillery and Ms. Schoeny would like to thank the Collection’s volunteers and intern for their tireless work in assisting with the preparation and installation of this exhibit. Lastly, none of this would be possible without the steadfast leadership of the Collection Curator, Gayle Strege. This exhibit invites you to connect with the fashion and music of the past, and consider how music influences how you view fashion today.