[1] GMD promotes object-based learning and the collection is available as a teaching and study resource to students and faculty at the university, professional designers, special interest groups, members of the public, and the local community.

[8] English editions of the book were printed in India and the Philippines,[8] and it was even translated into Chinese and used in a college in China by a former pupil of the Goldsteins.

[9] Harriet and Vetta both left their teaching posts in 1949, retiring and resigning respectively, and spent the rest of their lives in Los Angeles.

[5] Klingel suggested to the Dean of Home Economics, Keith McFarland, that a room or gallery be created specifically to honor Harriet and Vetta.

A select number of costumes are haute couture, including designs by Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent.

[18] Other specialist collections include over 1800 scarves designed by Vera Neumann,[19] and over 50 evening gowns by Oscar de la Renta.

[23] More recently, GMD has begun building a product design collection, which includes tea kettles by Michael Graves and Aldo Rossi for Allessi, a first generation iPad, and juicers by Philippe Starck.