So this is what the twenty-first century is offering in the fashion world–a virtual museum? As futuristic and awesome legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani’s time capsule of his collection is, I’m left with a wave of uncomfortable thoughts. Before I go on a rant about the cons of this concept, let me first applaud this 3D tour of couture fashion and share an overview of the exhibit below:
Included in the Museum’s ten sections are: “Very Valentino,” an exhibit featuring the house’s signature gowns from the 1960s through the 2000s; a Library of original drawings, celebrity and editorial photographs, press, and fashion show videos from his first presentation in 1977 to his final bow in 2008; and “The Other Half,” chronicling Garavani’s 50-plus-year relationship with Giammetti.
Sounds amazing? Well, it is. I hesitated to download this museum (odd right? who wouldn’t want to comb through over 1,000 of Valentino’s designs and listen to intimate conversations?), but I caved in. In less than 5 minutes, my screen was taken over by The Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum. It was sleek, easy to navigate and needless to say filled with lustrous fashion history, rich in color and clear images. It was a private, luxury experience in my lap.
Now, here are my qualms. It’ s not tangible, and lightly strips the aesthetic of iconic fashion garments. I can see this tool and experience being beneficial in art history courses or foreign places where one can’t attend the actual exhibit. I’ve always been told, the best way to learn anything is to start from its initial source. There are details and facts buried in garments (or anything rather) that cannot be revealed on your computer screen. No, you cannot walk into a fashion exhibit and touch the preserved garment being protected by guards, dim lights and low-lying wire or clear, plastic cases. But, it’s priceless experience that is tagged with viewing the exhibit or garments live, in person.
I am one to embrace technology, but would rather not see this becoming a trend among museums, galleries or any other art hubs as a substitute for exhibits. Am I alone with this thought?
-Heather Liggins
