The Wandering Wardrobe is a project led by the Onstead Institute for Education in the Visual Arts and Design in collaboration with the Texas Fashion Collection, which are areas within the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. The TFC is a unique repository documenting high fashion and style and one of the most acclaimed educational resources at the university that provides the Wandering Wardrobe garments. These artifacts of dress were collected by a variety of notable groups and individuals whose taste and connoisseurship continue to inspire students, researchers, and visitors.

The goal of this project is to connect research resources within the TFC to fine arts students and educators in kindergarten through 12th grades. This involves a traveling collection of historic garments curated by the TFC, related primary source materials, and educational materials to incorporate these resources into classroom learning. The garments and materials allow for the study of fashion history through the lens of design and social history.

The Wandering Wardrobe is made possible by the generous support of the M.R. Evelyn Hudson Foundation.

The Wandering Wardrobe video: Hear from Peter Hyland, director, Onstead Institute, and Annette Becker, director, Texas Fashion Collection, as they describe the opportunities for K-12 teachers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region to check out garments and teach their students through observation and hands-on activities.

Interested in checking out a garment?

Host a garment in your classroom by contacting the Onstead Institute at onstead@unt.edu or 940-565-3954 for more information. Garments are available to K-12 teachers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Items are located at the Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.

Handling Instructions