CLEVELAND, Ohio – An unusual collaboration between fashion and science is flying this spring at University Circle.
“Fashion & Feather,” a new exhibition that brings together the Kent State University Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Kent State School of Fashion, opens April 22 – Earth Day – and runs through Oct. 16.
The exhibition brings together historical costumes, bird models and contemporary student designs to explore how feathers function in nature – and how people have long since adapted them for art and decoration.
Installed in the natural history museum’s new Visitor Hall, a free public space, the exhibit is organized by bird species, including peacocks, ostriches, kingfishers and roosters. Bird taxidermy and cultural artifacts are on display along with feathered fashion pieces from Kent State’s internationally renowned collection.
The result is a comparison of biology and design.
Sara Hume, museum curator and professor at Kent State University, said: “The different ways that people have used feathers to adorn themselves provides a fascinating counterpoint to the way feathers serve birds.
By juxtaposing fashion with natural and traditional collections, ‘Fashion & Feather’ helps us see the beauty and incredible performance of feathers.”
The show reflects the growing emphasis on collaboration with institutions – and organizations.
“This partnership exemplifies the Kent State University Museum’s mission to break down disciplinary boundaries and serve as a platform for innovation, learning and connection across campus and the community,” said museum director Sarah Spinner.
At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the program also highlights extensive efforts to translate scientific collections for a wider audience.
“Feathers show us that nature is the first designer,” said President and CEO Sonia Winner. “By introducing our unique collection in new ways, ‘Fashion & Feather’ invites audiences to see biodiversity in a new way and recognize how human creativity is deeply connected to nature.”
The exhibit grew out of “For the Birds,” the 2018 exhibit at the Kent State University Museum, but expands the concept through deep collaboration with scientists and educators.
That interaction extends into the classroom.
Kent State School of Fashion students have created original costumes inspired by historical and historical collections. Students created original clothing using only non-animal materials, exploring biomimicry – the method of drawing inspiration from nature to solve design problems – while tackling operational challenges.
The pieces were developed at a small design studio led by assistant professor Daniel Fladung and reviewed by a team that included museum professionals and Portage Park District educators. Selected works will be exhibited in the museum’s Corning Gallery.
“We are delighted that our students have had the opportunity to work directly with museum collections while thinking deeply about design, conservation and performance,” said Mourad Krifa, director of the fashion school.
Fladung says the project challenges students to rethink resources and responsibilities.
He said: “Students produced ambitious, creative work without using any feathers, deeply discussing questions of performance and real-world impact.”
The ‘Fashion & Feather’ sections are free to view in the museum’s Visitor Hall. The entire Corning Gallery exhibit requires general admission. The fashion-related graduate program is scheduled for fall 2026, with details to be announced.
#Fashion #Feather #exhibition #combines #science #style