The world of fashion at your fingertips in a new virtual exhibition by Google in collaboration with world renowned cultural institutions
Thursday, June 8th, 2017: 3000 years of the world’s fashion and style is brought together in the largest virtual exhibition project by Google Arts and Culture. Launched today, the “We wear culture” project by Google is in collaboration with 183 renowned cultural institutions from around the world including India.
Using state-of-the-art technology, including virtual reality experiences and high resolution gigapixels the project allows viewers to explore, from either their desktop or through the Google Arts and Culture app, all that one wanted to know about fashion and the stories behind the clothes we wear - everything from the ancient Silk Road, to the courtly fashions of Versailles, to the unmatched elegance of the Indian Saree.
Explore the iconic pieces that changed the way generations dressed, like Chanel’s Black Dress from Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, France (1925) that radically changed the dress code, making it a statement piece in every woman's wardrobe or Marilyn Monroe’s stilettos by Museo Salvatore Ferragamo from Florence, Italy (1959-60) - the sparkling red high heels that became an expression of empowerment, success and sexyness for women. Read and view images from Comme des Garçons Kimono-inspired sweater and skirt from Kyoto Costume Institute, Kyoto, Japan (1983), that manifests how Rei Kawakubo brought traditional and contemporary Japanese Kimono aesthetics and craftsmanship onto the global fashion stage in radical designs or Vivienne Westwood Corset, from Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK (1990), which celebrates the designer's unique take on one of the most controversial garments in history, and brings the worlds of fashion and art together.
The iconic Indian Saree gets its spotlight on the world fashion stage. The Sari Project by Border &Fall, an introduction to some of the finest Indian saris weaves and drape techniques is now available online as part of the global project opening today on Google Arts and Culture. The collections of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) including “15 Variations of the Saree: The Iconic Dress of India” & “Humsafar - The Companion” will help you experience and learn more about the varied weaves from across India, from Gharchola to Patola to Temple to Ikat sarees and trace the story and importance of Indian textiles from ancient sculptures, to heirloom textiles. Revisit the Baluchari art with the special sari collection from the Tagore family where the beauty and charm continued to adorn the generations of the Tagore women from 1850s.
Highlighting the Indian regional textiles and fashion heritage online, Indian Museum, Kolkata and Worldview Impact Foundation showcase the designs from north-eastern India including the weaves of tribes such as the Nagas, Meitis and the traditional attire from Meghalaya called ‘Dhara’ or ‘Nara’ worn by the Khasi women during special occasions, made up of costly silk material woven out of Mulberry silk yarn. The unique colourful and rich embroidery arts, applique and mirror work from different communities such as the Ahir, Rabari, Chaudhury Patel and many others from the western part of India have also been brought online by SEWA Hansiba Museum as part of this exhibit. The exhibition by Salar Jung Museum brings alive the Sherwani and how it became the royal fashion of the Nizams from 19th century Hyderabad (part of Deccan region). Colonial Indian attires can be revisited with Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, along with the history and impact of cotton in early trade of textiles.
Announcing the the launch of the world fashion exhibit on Google Arts and Culture, Amit Sood, Director of Google Arts & Culture said: “We invite everyone to browse the exhibition on their phones or laptops and learn about the stories behind what you wear. You might be surprised to find out that your Saree, jeans or the black dress in your wardrobe have a centuries-old story. What you wear is true culture and more often than not a piece of art.”
Fashion experts, curators and designers as well as universities, museums and NGOs from around the world collaborated on the exhibition to show that fashion is a part of our culture, a form of art and a result of true craftsmanship with a multifaceted impact. Google’s state-of-the-art technology, including virtual reality, 360° videos, Street View and ultra-high resolution “gigapixel” images were used to preserve the collections and make then available for everyone.
With over over 400 online exhibitions and stories sharing a total of 50,000 photos, videos and other documents; 4 virtual reality experiences of iconic fashion pieces; over 700 ultra high-resolution, so called gigapixel images and over 40 venues offer backstage access on Google Street View you could get lost in fashion.
Some of the highlights available online from “We wear culture” project by Google Arts & Culture include icons, the movements, the game changers and the trendsetters like Alexander McQueen, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Audrey Hepburn, Christian Dior, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Yves Saint Laurent, Manolo Blahnik, Gianni Versace , Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Balmain, Miyake Issey and many more.
The We wear culture exhibition is available online at g.co/wewearculture and through the Google Arts & Culture app on iOS and Android for everyone.
