Dressing Louisiana
Histoires de la mode de la Louisiane
October 5, 2025 - March 6, 2026

Louisianians are resilient, diverse, and…fashionable. This exhibition celebrates the myriad ways in which the people of Louisiana created and utilized fashion as a tool in the formation of identity and in the celebration of life's joy and beauty. While clothing serves basic functions of protection and modesty, fashion is also an art form, an essential record of history if well preserved, and a means of scholarly inquiry.  Included are the works of Louisiana artists and designers Ray Cole and Geoffrey Beene, a selection of First Lady gowns, including the recently acquired inaugural gown of First Lady of Louisiana Sharon Landry, garments worn by Donna Douglas both on the red carpet and in her role as Elly May Clampett, Mardi Gras ensembles, LSU athletic jerseys and much more celebrating the rich and diverse fashion history of Louisiana.

Photos by Kevin Duffy