Online Viewing Rooms - Top 5 Best Online Fashion Collections
In recent years the world’s leading museums have been making their resources available online with virtual gallery tours and historic collections available to browse from the comfort of your own sofa. There’s more demand for this service now than ever, as these institutions close their doors to the public, and there’s lots of digital resources available for fashion lovers too!
Although these online museums offer a different experience to visiting an actual exhibition and seeing real pieces up close, they do allow us to view garments on the other side of the world, or locked away in private collections, in an amazing amount of detail. So, whether you’re a fashion pro or plain enthusiast here are my top 5 virtual resources to keep you inspired over the next few weeks:
Best for online exhibitions ➡️ Underpinnings Museum
c. 1890s Symington Reproduction Silk Corset by Cathy Hay
(photo: Tigz Rice Studios)
Founded in late 2016, this entirely online museum features underwear of all varieties spanning four centuries. Past exhibitions include ‘The Modern Corset Renaissance’ and ‘Remaking the Past’ which was created in collaboration with LCF’s MA Pattern & Garment Technology students.
Best for close up details ➡️ Wayne State University Libraries: Digital Dress Collection
Paper Dress 1966- 1967
(photo: digital.library.wayne.edu)
An online library of images celebrating Detroit’s contribution to the arts with a dress collection featuring pieces from 1850- 1990, including this iconic number.
Best for background info ➡️ Kyoto Costume Institute
Jackets by Thierry Mugler, Late 1980’s.
(© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Takashi Hatakeyama)
The KCI digital Archive present a zoomable image and information for all the garments in their extensive collection which houses fashion from all over the world.
Best for a daily fashion fix ➡️ @amberbutchart #virtualfashionmuseum
(Images: Amber Butchart)
Something a bit different, not a museum exactly, but the Instagram account of fashion historian, broadcaster and writer Amber Butchart who has reacted to the recent museum closures by turning her page into a virtual exhibition space.
Best for tutorials and tips ➡️ Zandra Rhodes Digital Study Collection
Sketches by Zandra Rhodes
(Image: www.zandrarhodes.ucreative.ac.uk)
If you missed her recent retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, then head to the Zandra Rhodes Study Archive. This collection holds 500 dresses photographed from all angles and also showcases the designer’s drawings and sketchbooks. A highlight of the site are the tutorials which demonstrate some of her specialist techniques.
Also worth a look:
Victoria & Albert Museum Online Collection
WORDS BY Mary Thrift ➡️ REMIX Design and Production Manager