KENT, OH.- On March 26, the Kent State University Museum unveiled its most recent exhibition, “What’s New! Recent Acquisitions.” Featuring recent acquisitions to the Museum’s collection of almost 30,000 garments, “What’s New!” displays new additions that have come into the collection in the past decade and are broadening the diversity of both makers and pieces in the Museum’s collection. “What’s New!” will be on display through August 8, 2021.

As the KSU Museum continues to expand and diversify its collection, this exhibition showcases garments by African American designers such as Tracy Reese and Patrick Kelly as well as work by cultures including the Naga of India, the Karen of Myanmar and the Miao of China. Other recent acquisitions include a traditional hanbok from Korea and a custom, tailored suit from the late 1960s, adding to the number of menswear pieces in the Museum’s collection. Pieces from Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Comme des Garcons have also been acquired as the Museum seeks to continuously add the work of contemporary designers.

“This exhibition is a chance to showcase pieces that have never been exhibited before and yet reflect the variety and depth of our collection. From quilts to shoes to children’s clothes to menswear, the exhibition shows off how rich our holdings are. It is also a testament to the generosity of donors – most of the pieces are donations from people in the community and the exhibition speaks to the treasures that people are wonderful enough to share with the public when they entrust them to our care.” Curator, Sara Hume.

The exhibit will also feature special anecdotes throughout, as the Museum honors the power of personal stories and the links between people and the clothes they wear.

In addition to “What’s New!,” other exhibitions currently on display at the KSU Museum include “Fortuna: Designs by Vincent Quevedo,” on view through May 16, and “Stitched: Regional Dress Across Europe,” on view through December 19.