Museum Talk: The Hepburn Style - Katharine and Her Designers

Presented in Partnership with the Kent State University Museum

The Kate and the Katharine Hepburn Museum welcome colleagues from the Kent State University Museum (KSUM) for a special Museum Talk. The presentation with Kate staff and guest presenters Dr. Sarah Spinner Liska, KSUM Director; Joanne Fenn, KSUM professor and Collections Manager/Registrar; and Dr. Sara Hume, KSUM Curator, will focus on some of the costumes and personal wardrobe items included in the current KSUM exhibition “The Hepburn Style: Katharine and Her Designers.”

Curated by Joanne Fenn, the KSUM exhibition showcases Hepburn’s style with examples from her personal wardrobe, costumes, and the contemporary designers she wore. Throughout the exhibition are elements of Katharine Hepburn’s style: comfort, line and proportion represented in her fashion choices and in the costumes she wore. The personal wardrobe ranges from her “uniform” of pants and a simple top, to dresses, and a swimsuit.

Items from the Katharine Hepburn Museum collection that relate to the featured costumes will also be highlighted during a moderated discussion and Q&A with the audience.

“The exciting aspect of Katharine Hepburn’s style is that it is enduring. Her choices went beyond fashion trends, incorporating her individuality, and pushing gender norms,” said Fenn.

KSUM was the recipient of theatrical costumes and personal clothing from the Hepburn estate. “The Hepburn Style,” which is on exhibit at KSUM through May 25, 2025, highlights designers such as Valentina, Adrian, and Irene who helped Hepburn meet her criteria for comfort, movement and proportions that complimented her physique.

Tickets for the Museum Talk are valid for either in-person attendance or a live stream option. Admission is FREE to Kate Museum Insiders (please log in to the Member portal to reserve your tickets).

ABOUT THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM

The Kent State University Museum advances the understanding of world cultures through collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting fashion, textiles, and related arts to students, scholars and the general public.

The Kent State University Museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive, at the corner of East Main Street and South Lincoln Street in Kent, Ohio. It features more than 29,000 pieces in its collection, amassed from many generous donors. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 4 p.m.