Dates of these objects range from the 1840s to 1930s. This category includes a variety of rugs, throws, mats, curtains, drapes, shades, valences, portieres, tie backs, and curtain hooks, tablecloths, runners, scarfs, doilies, antimacassars, ottoman covers, placemats, towels, bags, bellows, tea cozys, and tassels. The museum has a large collection of household textiles woven and constructed by Acadian women of Southwestern Louisiana. The majority of items are household textiles, but there is one dress, a mouchoir, a white linen cap, a man's shirt and an infant's dress which were handmade by Acadian weavers, dressmakers, and needleworkers. These items range from mid-nineteenth century to the 1960s.
Collection items are handmade by couturiers, dressmakers, artisans, and homemakers or mass produced.
Some 60 international, national and regional couturiers and dressmakers are represented in the collection including House of Worth, Dior, Callot Soeurs, Geoffrey Beene, Mme. Besserat, Mrs. Dowty, and Mignon Faget to name a few. Most are formal, costly, special occasion dresses. The collection includes habits from two religious orders, costumes owned by exotic dancers, debutante gowns, and wedding gowns. Outergarments include capes, cloaks, coats, and shawls made with fine fabrics and with interesting construction and ornamental details, many by known designers.