Many of us know The Wadsworth Atheneum has an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and other items you’d expect to find in a world-renowned art museum (that most of us should visit more often).

What some may not know is that The Wadsworth has a textile collection that would put the Kardashians’ closets to shame. 

Here Ned Lazaro, the museum’s Associate Curator for Costume and Textiles, shares some delightful sartorial details.

BASIC NUMBERS: “The Wadsworth’s Costume and Textiles collection numbers some 10,000 items, ranging in date from ancient Peruvian textiles to 21st-century (2017) designs by Dries Van Noten (b.1958).” 

COVERALLS: “The collection spans nearly all time periods and all corners of the globe. We have examples of domestic textiles (quilts, coverlets, upholstery) and clothing (fashion, utilitarian, ceremonial).”

BALENCIAGA AND BALLERINAS: “We have a strong collection of 19th- and 20th-century women’s wear by French couture designs, including the House of Worth and Balenciaga (founded 1937). We also have a rare collection of some 50 costumes and designs used by the famous Ballets Russes dance company.” 

PULP COUTURE: “Items in the C&T collection that might surprise readers include some from more non-traditional materials, such as paper dresses worn in the 1960s, including a famous paper ball held here at the museum in 1966.” 

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