The Patricia Stevens Collection was gifted to LaBudde Special Collections in November 2011 by Melissa Stevens, doyenne of the Patricia Stevens Modeling Agency. Inclusive dates are 1940s-2010, with the bulk in the 1975-2000 range. The collection includes correspondence, contracts, promotional material, instructional booklets, audio/visual tapes and an abundance of ephemera. Also included are several scrapbooks and photo books, highlighted by five colossal white scrapbooks documenting the history of the agency.

The Stevens collection shines a reflective light into the past and the antiquated mind set of what a woman’s role was to be in contemporary society. It was Patricia Stevens charge to indoctrinate young women to the importance of personal appearance and proper deportment. Informational handouts and class curriculum dictate the need to begin a regiment, beginning as a young child, establishing wardrobe colors which will best suit personality and social acceptance. Levels of training included modeling courses, fashion merchandising, charm classes and business classes. Modeling students were groomed to participate in fashion shows and other such events as well as compete in local and national beauty competitions. Debbie Bryant, Miss America 1966, was a graduate of the Patricia Stevens School.

There are over 14,000 photographic images in the Stevens Collection that capture a plethora of events throughout the years. Represented are fashion shows, beauty pageants, modeling sessions and the much documented Annual Easter Parade on the County Club Plaza, which was originated and sponsored by the Patricia Stevens Agency and lasted over three decades.

The audiovisual materials consist of audio recordings, videos, and films from the Patricia Stevens Modeling Agency. including bridal shows, fashion shows, training and orientation classes, events, conferences, advertisements for the company, interviews, workshops, and photo shoots.