Fashion + Nature examines the relationships between the natural world and the fashion industry. Clothing has long been produced with natural materials and inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world, but the fashion industry has had a largely negative impact on the environment. This exhibit showcases a wide variety of captivating scientific specimens and fascinating garments, to illustrate their relationship to each other and their interconnected histories. Fashion + Nature aims to inspire and educate visitors, encouraging us to become better consumers and reduce the harmful impacts of the fashion industry.

Steketee's was a department store in Grand Rapids that opened in 1862. It was started by Paul Steketee and John H. Doornich. In 1872 a fire destroyed the business and Doornich sold his part of the business to Steketee. He recruited his family to help rebuild and run the store. They opened an 8 story store on Monroe Avenue in 1915. Over time Steketee opened more stores throughout Michigan. It became one of West Michigan's oldest retailers, closing its final store in 2003.