By The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” offers a sensory feast for visitors, transporting them through the rustling of silk taffeta, the clinking of seashell paillettes, and the fragrance of bygone eras. Curated by Andrew Bolton, the showcase underscores the immersive nature of fashion, inviting patrons to engage with garments beyond mere visual appreciation.
Bolton and his team have curated a stunning collection of 250 garments and accessories spanning four centuries, supplemented by 75 new acquisitions crafted exclusively for the exhibition. Leveraging both traditional and cutting-edge technologies, the showcase breathes new life into historical artifacts, juxtaposing them with dynamic 3D animations and sensory experiences.
One highlight is a ballgown from the 1880s by Charles Frederick Worth, delicately laid out alongside an animated 3D rendition of the same garment. Throughout the exhibition, visitors encounter the swishing of silk, the tinkling of seashell embellishments, and even fragrances evoking the personas of historical figures like New York socialite Millicent Rogers.
Thematically organized around nature motifs such as flowers, insects, and the sea, the exhibition blurs the boundaries between sensory experiences and the natural world. From digitally printed floral motifs to dresses adorned with butterfly wings and iridescent beetle shells, each piece showcases the artistry and craftsmanship inherent in fashion design.
Notably, the exhibition extends beyond visual and tactile stimulation, incorporating AI technology to enhance the visitor experience. An AI chatbot accompanies a dramatic wedding gown worn by socialite Natalie Potter, offering insights into her life and legacy.
“Sleeping Beauties” is not merely a display of fashion artifacts but a celebration of the intimate connection between clothing and the human experience. As Bolton aptly notes, these garments, though destined for “eternal slumber,” retain their sensorial histories, awaiting reactivation by those who believe in the magic of fashion.
