#29. Kent State University Museum of Pauline Trigère Archive
- Jessica C
- Jul 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2025
Scanning the lengthy list of Trigère archives at Kent State University Museum (KSUM), in Cleveland, Ohio, I noticed the inclusion of several garments from socialites and celebrities. Dressing Hollywood stars and socialites, Pauline Trigère was known for her personal connections with her clients. These garments, carefully preserved in the Kent State vast fashion collection, is a tangible reminder of Trigère's impact on the fashion world.
One particular piece is Meryl Streep's ivory gown and jacket, which she wore when she won her Academy Award in 1982. It's fascinating to think that this very outfit played a role in Meryl Streep's first Oscar, a separate blog detailed the dress is [here].
Another standout piece is a black and white checkered jacket and skirt ensemble worn by Audrey Smaltz at a party hosted by Pauline for her son Jean Pierre's 50th birthday [Here]. This particular jacket showcased Ms.Trigère's ability to create pieces working with the fabric and it immediately brought to my mind Alexander McQueen houndstooth series from his Fall 2009 collection. These clever cuttings can sometime deceive the average eye, demonstrating their technical complexities. I came across another photo of Pauline wearing the same jacket from a New York Times article, stay tuned on separate blog on this brilliant jacket!
The Kent State collection also includes garments from notable socialites, such as Aileen Mehle, better known as Suzy of the Suzy gossip column. I also recognized additional garments from fashion shows photos coordinated by Dixie Lee Davis, former Fashion Director of Cleveland's famous Hallie's Department store and later Saks Fifth Avenue Club Director, [here]. These pieces provide insights into the fashion preferences of high society during Trigère's career.
As a former fashion designer, I loved studying these garments. I appreciate the cutting techniques that went into each garment. Designing is an ever-evolving art form, and understanding its roots provides inspirations. The Kent State University Museum has done an outstanding job in preserving and sharing these valuable pieces of fashion history, it is always exciting when I discover a new piece which correspondences to a vintage ad.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to the entire team at Kent State Costume department, including Joanne Fenn, Collection Manager, Dr. Sara Hume and former Museum Director Jean Druesedow, and student assistant Sabrina Adjiri. Their warm welcome, guidance through the collection, and assistance with photographing and filming the interview greatly facilitated my research to the extensive Trigère collection. The archive ensure that Pauline Trigère and other designer's legacy lives on and inspires for years to come. Stay tuned for some exciting highlights from the collection as I uncover garments worn and captured on film by various personalities throughout the era! If you are in the Cleveland area, be sure to check-out the Costume Museum and their current exhibition on wardrobes worn by Kathryn Hepburn from the movies [here]!
Visit date: June 28, 2024
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