“Sleeping Beauties” is an exhibition that showcases the transformative power of technology in fashion. According to Nick Knight, the artist and photographer who served as the exhibition’s creative consultant, this show is a “watershed moment” that challenges traditional notions of art and expression.
The exhibition features both historical garments and cutting-edge digital creations, highlighting the evolution of fashion and its increasing reliance on technology. Knight believes that technology has the potential to bring fashion to life, allowing us to experience its sensory qualities in new and exciting ways.
One of the most striking examples of this is the use of Pepper’s Ghost, an old theater technique that creates the illusion of a floating figure. In the exhibition, this technique is used to bring a Charles Frederick Worth dress to life, allowing visitors to experience the movement and grace of the garment as if it were being worn.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the use of AI to create interactive experiences. Visitors can ask questions to a Callot Soeurs wedding dress and receive answers from the AI, providing a unique and engaging way to learn about the history and significance of the garment.
Knight emphasizes that technology is not simply a tool for creating spectacle but also a means of enhancing our understanding and appreciation of fashion. By using technology to bring fashion to life, the exhibition encourages us to see beyond the surface and explore the deeper meanings and emotions that fashion can evoke.
Overall, the “Sleeping Beauties” exhibition is a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of the past, present, and future of fashion. It challenges traditional notions of art and expression and highlights the transformative potential of technology in shaping our relationship with fashion.
