Historical Textiles and Apparel Collection

Explore. Understand. Inspire.

The Historic Textiles and Apparel Collection [HTAC] includes more than 6,500 accessioned items from the 19th thru the 21st centuries. Garments, accessories, textiles, archival materials, fashion periodicals and patterns make up the TXA Archives. The holdings include important couture examples by notable designers such as Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, Christian Dior, Bill Blass, Carolina Herrera and Arnold Scassi among others.

The mission of the HTAC is to provide valuable educational resources and research opportunities for students, faculty and scholars alike. The Collection enables one to explore the significance of dress in an historical context, to view couture construction and design techniques, to study and promote conservation and preservation methods, and perhaps most importantly, to inspire those who wish to gain a better understanding of the history of textiles, apparel, and design.

Under the direction of Gail Chovan, TXA Assistant Professor of Instruction, independent study students in the HTAC curate and install 2-3 exhibits a year under in the Archives Exhibit Room, Gearing 117. Due to COVID-19 precautions, there are no exhibits at the present time.

 For more information, contact Director/Curator: Gail Chovan, TXA Assistant Professor of Instruction chovan.gail@austin.utexas.edu

Past Exhibits: