The Illinois State University Lois Jett Historical Fashion Collection opened its spring semester exhibition, “Lights, Camera, Fashion,” with a presentation and reception in Turner Hall, highlighting the evolution of Hollywood style through student-led workshops.
The clothes featured in the “Lights, Camera, Fashion” show.
Founded in 1962, the Lois Jett Historical Fashion Collection contains more than 2,000 costumes and antiques that are used to support education across campus.
The latest exhibition, curated and curated by interns, explores red carpet fashion and celebrity influence across decades of film and entertainment.
Artifact Director Katie Ibsen said the collection continues to serve as an educational tool and hands-on learning space for students in fashion merchandising and related programs.
“This is ‘Lights, Camera, Fashion,’ and it’s about Hollywood through the decades,” Ibsen said. “We try to create a look that would be worn on the red carpet, especially at award ceremonies like the Oscars and Grammys.”
The show features three original vignettes focusing on iconic figures, including Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Each show combines garments from the collection with prints and accessories to mimic signature styles.
Parton’s piece highlights 1970s fashion, including knit dresses, denim splits and bold accessories that show off the character’s figure. Ibsen noticed mixed pieces from different decades.
“The passing decades are a fact of fashion history,” said Ibsen.
The Monroe-inspired exhibit includes costumes from the 1930s to the 1960s, highlighting the actress’ affinity for bias-cut dresses and elegant evening gowns. Although some of the pieces predate his career, Ibsen said the style is still influential throughout Hollywood.
The Kelly vignette showcases the tailored elegance of 1950s fashion with a bell skirt silhouette, gloves and a matching bolero jacket. Kelly’s transition from actress to royalty also contributed to her lasting influence on fashion.
Students who worked as Ellie Popovich and Ellie Stoltz supervised the display, while staff Emma Irwin and Brooklynn Leopoldo led the installation effort. The exhibition opened with a reception where the staff discussed their research, design choices and how to build the exhibition.
Ibsen said the program encourages students to be creative in the shows by coming up with themes based on their interests.
A dress that is part of the fashion show of the year.
“We want them to be able to identify an interest and develop that interest in something like this,” Ibsen said.
The exhibition also includes references from the collection’s library, including books on film and fashion, as well as vintage sewing techniques from the late 19th century. These materials provide additional historical context and support student research.
In addition to aesthetics, the exhibition showcases practical training in sales and presentation. Ibsen said the approach reflects real-world sales pitches, where presentation plays an important role in attracting audiences.
“Making shows like this and the windows you see in the hall are transferable skills,” Ibsen said.
All of the costumes in the show are from the collection, although Ibsen said that past shows have included borrowed or personal items when related to the theme.
The “Lights, Camera, Fashion” exhibit will be on display in Turner Hall throughout the semester, giving visitors a glimpse of Hollywood and the academic work that goes on behind the scenes.
Jorge Maciel is a news and features reporter and photographer for The Vidette. Maciel can be contacted at jlmacie@ilstu.edu.
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