In honor of the Kent State University Museum’s 40th anniversary, this exhibition pays tribute to Aileen Mehle, a friend of the museum founders and widely syndicated society columnist. The exhibition features evening dresses and jewelry from Mehle that will be displayed in the museum’s historic Higbee Gallery from July 18, 2025, through Aug. 23, 2026.
“Aileen Mehle had so much taste and enthusiasm that it is fitting to pay tribute to her as we celebrate 40 years of the Kent State University Museum,” stated Kent State University Museum Curator Sara Hume, Ph.D. “Her career as a journalist attests to her brilliant wit and driving work ethic, yet she took extraordinary care in presenting herself appropriately for the variety of social occasions she reported on. She is an underappreciated style icon who is finally getting her due.”
Mehle, who lived from 1918 to 2016, wrote under the pseudonym Suzy Knickerbocker and enjoyed a career spanning five decades – from the 1950s until her final column in 2005, which she wrote at the age of 87.
“This exhibition celebrates the sparkle of her style and the sparkle of her wit,” Hume said.
Mehle dressed in Pauline Trigère, Geoffrey Beene, Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy while wearing jewelry by Cartier and Tiffany as well as bags by Judith Leiber and Bulgari.
“Aileen Mehle was known for accessorizing her glamorous evening looks with dazzling statement jewelry,” said Kent State University Museum Collections Manager/Registrar Joanne Fenn, who co-curated the exhibition with Hume. “We are thrilled to debut her exceptional collection featuring work from influential jewelry designers such as Jean Schlumberger, Paloma Picasso and Bulgari. This exhibition promises to both inspire and engage students, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of these iconic creators.”
Among the approximately 20 dresses from the 1960s through the 1990s mounted in the exhibition is the beaded dress by Nilo de Paul that she wore to Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball in 1966 alongside a selection of her jewelry that range from vintage earrings from the 1930s to statement necklaces and bracelets from the 1980s.
“This exhibition reflects the spirit of our 40th anniversary season – honoring our history, showcasing our extraordinary collection and articulating a bold and engaging vision for our future,” said Kent State University Museum Director Sarah Spinner Liska, Ph.D., J.D.
The “Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle” exhibition will be open to the public July 18, 2025, through Aug. 23, 2026. A public opening reception will be held at 5 p.m. on July 16 at the museum. This exhibition is generously sponsored by Leslie Resnick and Karen and Ken Conley. The Kent State University Museum receives operating support through a sustainability grant from the Ohio Arts Council.
ABOUT THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
The Kent State University Museum’s world-class collection includes 30,000 objects of fashion, textile and design. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 to 18. The museum is free with a Kent State ID and for children under 5. Sunday admission is free for all ages. Parking is free for museum attendees in the allotted museum spaces in the Rockwell Hall parking lot. For more information, please call 330-672-3450, visit www.kent.edu/museum or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
A diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. is one of the pieces included in “Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle,” an exhibition at the Kent State University Museum that opens July 18, 2025.