Ever wanted to go backstage at a top fashion show, but never had the chance? French fashion house Dior is giving you the chance to do so, without actually being present at an event at all. It’s all thanks to the magic of virtual reality. The brand has created Dior Eyes, a VR headset that will transport wearers backstage at some of its biggest shows, to see exactly how everyone prepares for the runway.
However, don’t expect to go out and buy a set of Dior Eyes. The headset is going to be demonstrated at selected Dior boutiques around the world, so don’t get any weird ideas about virtually creeping around in the shadows at a fashion show from the privacy of your own home — it’s not going to happen.
From the short video produced by Dior, and several French articles on the tech, it seems the headset is designed to give wearers a look at how the make-up artists work at Dior events, sharing insights into the way a professional works. We’ve seen wearable tech used in a similar way before, when YSL used Google Glass to give make-up lessons to clients.
When it comes to the technical aspects of Dior’s Eyes VR headset, the information is a little harder to come by. The body has been designed and 3D printed by DigitasLBi Labs in France, and there are suggestions it uses a Galaxy Note 4 for the display — indicating the Samsung Gear VR may be used at its core. Once activated, it provides a 515ppi pixel density visual experience with an almost 100-degree field of view, and audio comes from a set of built-in headphones. The black chassis looks classy, and the Dior logo lights up to complete the effect.
Dior hasn’t confirmed which stores will provide the Eyes VR experience, or what visitors will have to do in order to get a demo, but we’d imagine an appointment and/or a hefty purchase may be involved before you get a chance to check out what happens backstage.
