International Library of Fashion Research (ILFR) is a specialised library and study centre located within the National Museum's premises in Oslo. The library is founded on a rich collection of printed materials from the world of fashion – including books, magazines, and historical documents – spanning from the 1970s to the present day.
ILFR was established in 2020 by Elise By Olsen, following her inheritance of the extensive private collection of American cultural theorist Steven Mark Klein.
The library opened its doors in November 2022 and offers a diverse programme of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and the annual Fashion Research Symposium. Through its initiatives, ILFR fosters interdisciplinary dialogue across fashion, art, and design, working in partnership with fashion houses, museums, and educational institutions.
The collection is accessible both physically at the library and digitally via its website. Donations from designers, publishers, and private collectors contribute to the collection’s ongoing growth and ensure the preservation of fashion-related ephemera for future generations.
