The Kent State University Museum’s newest exhibit, Beyond the Suit: Contemporary Menswear From the Collection of Alexandre Marr and Dominic Iudiciani, which opens to the public July 27, is a fresh look at current trends in menswear design through the personal wardrobe of Alexandre Marr and Dominic Iudiciani and features work from notable labels such as Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh, Julius_7, Dior Homme, Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake. The exhibit runs through June 30, 2019.
The unique tastes of Mr. Marr and Mr. Iudiciani shaped the selection of the individual pieces in the exhibit, revealing breaks in men’s fashion from the ubiquitous tailored suit. Rather than traditional jackets, trousers and button-down shirts, the garments displayed in the exhibit feature alternatives to conventionally structured and tailored pieces. Beyond the Suit showcases variations of skirts for men, pushing their looks beyond the square-shouldered, trim-waisted silhouette of a traditional suit. The collection demonstrates how society is moving away from strictly defined clothing options, such as three-piece suits and tuxedos. Designers such as Rick Owens and Gareth Pugh take inspiration from punk and Goth sensibilities to signal a rejection of the formality of society and the workplace.
The museum is thrilled to bring this personal collection to the public and hopes that visitors will notice the beautiful details and craftsmanship that went into creating the garments.
“I am excited about the opportunity that this exhibition provides to showcase menswear,” expressed Sara Hume, Ph.D., curator of the Kent State University Museum. “So much of our collection is focused on womenswear, and I regret that that means that menswear is often overlooked. The pieces on display really highlight that menswear is dynamic and changing – the opposite of boring or static.”
The exhibit opens Friday, July 27, but there will be a special opening reception on Thursday, July 26, from 5-7 p.m. in the museum’s Higbee Gallery. The reception will feature a discussion with the curator in conversation with the collectors, Mr. Marr and Mr. Iudiciani, in the museum’s Murphy Auditorium at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to view all exhibits currently on display in the museum. The event is free and open to the public.
About the Collectors
Alexandre Marr is a graduate of Kent State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising in 2014. He currently holds a position in product development on the innovation team at the American Greetings Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio. Additionally, Mr. Marr is a classically trained pianist, having studied piano in his undergraduate education both at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Kent State and frequently performs throughout the country and abroad. He maintains a private piano studio out of his home downtown Akron, serves as the music director for Temple Israel in Canton and directs The Cabaret Project, an annual theatrical revue in partnership with BLU Jazz+ in Akron. Mr. Marr also performs with Singers Companye, a premier chamber choir in Northeast Ohio.
Dominic Iudiciani received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in graphic design and photography in 2016 from the University of Akron. He is currently employed by Koroseal Interior Products designing commercial wallcovering products, and he runs a private freelance photography and design business. Several of the pieces in this exhibition have been featured in “Work It: A Study in Fashion Photography Portraiture” and “Icelandic Elements,” two of his most recent photographic exhibitions in Akron. Mr. Iudiciani also is a member of Singers Companye, having recently returned from his first international tour with the ensemble in Ireland.
About the Kent State University Museum
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. The museum is open to the public on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; and Sunday from noon-4:45 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children under 18. The museum is free with a Kent State ID and free to the public on Sunday. Parking is free. For more information, call 330-672-3450 or visit www.kent.edu/museum.
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Photo Captions:
First Image:
Mutant Lab Coat, designed by Rick Owens, Spring/Summer 2010, from the wardrobe of Alexandre Marr and Dominic Iudiciani, photograph by Dominic Iudiciani
Second Image:
Alexandre Marr wearing Stomper tee, designed Rick Owens, Fall/Winter 2017, from the wardrobe of Alexandre Marr and Dominic Iudiciani, photograph by Dominic Iudiciani
Media Contacts:
Brittani Peterson, bpeter12@kent.edu, 330-672-2714
Sara Hume, shume1@kent.edu, 330-672-0302