“Some people need sequins—others don’t.” So quipped legendary costume designer Edith Head as press covered arrivals to the 1955 Academy Awards. In truth, no one needs sequins, which are definitively decorative. They have long been desired, or disparaged, but rarely considered in depth. This exhibition looks below the surface to explore the significant historical, social, cultural, technological, and environmental dimensions of sequins. Glamorous and tacky, luxe and disposable, feminine and fluid—these seemingly superficial elements embody tensions worth reflecting on.

Drawn from the Goldstein’s permanent collection, the installation includes more than 30 objects, featuring American designers like Roy Halston, Mollie Parnis, Bob Mackie, and BruceGlen alongside pieces from Mexico, China, South Korea, and Pakistan.

Listen to a sequin-inspired playlist specially curated for this exhibition by Radio K (KUOM), the University of Minnesota’s student-run radio station.

This exhibition is organized by Jean McElvain, curator, and Aidan O’Connor, director, Goldstein Museum of Design. Research support by Anuje Farhung, PhD candidate, College of Design.

Support for this exhibition is generously provided by the Kusske Design Initiative at the College of Design.