Real Estate

For Whitney Houston fan, each piece of memorabilia captures one moment in time

“I’m preserving a part of her legacy and a part of music history that’s not about drugs or marriage.”

By Cameron Sperance -- Boston.com correspondent

July 31, 2024

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Oprah Winfrey called the voice of Whitney Houston a national treasure.

Dolly Parton’s bank account — especially after Houston iconically covered her “I Will Always Love You” for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack — can back up that claim.

So it may come as a surprise that a collection of the late singer’s fashion picks is enshrined in a Falmouth home rather than a museum.

While some seek sanctuary in the ocean and along the sandy shores of Cape Cod, Dr. Will Sutton-Ohannesian finds it daily at home in a room designated for his extensive collection of Houston fashion and memorabilia.

The 34-year-old, originally from Hopedale, purchased a three-bedroom home in Falmouth earlier this year, and one of his must-haves was space to house the growing lineup of dresses and jewelry belonging to the late chanteuse, as well as memorabilia.

“I needed a three-bedroom home to house the Whitney stuff — not because I wanted kids,” Sutton-Ohannesian said with a laugh.

His collection, which includes dresses from the 1993-1994 “The Bodyguard World Tour” and a couture Valentino gown Houston wore to the 1991 American Cinema Awards, began only a little more than a year ago while he was going through a divorce. But what may have started as a hobby during a difficult time has morphed into a passion project with a dedicated Instagram page that has connected Sutton-Ohannesian with fellow fans and even Houston’s family and friends.

The Whitney Houston room at Sutton-Ohannesian’s home may not be on par with the Smithsonian Institution, but one can’t help but note a few similarities: The room is set at a mild temperature to keep the fabrics in showstopping shape, and there are security sensors to protect the collection. You may want to dance with somebody, but don’t touch.

While Houston, who died in 2012 at age 48, is known for her internal struggles, Sutton-Ohannesian’s sartorial salute focuses on her artistry and legendary fashion.

“To me, I’m preserving a part of her legacy and a part of music history that’s not about drugs or marriage,” Sutton-Ohannesian said. “It’s not about the craziness of fame.”

He recognizes there are square-footage limitations. The most recent addition to the collection — a Pamela Dennis custom suit top Houston wore for Japan concert stops during the 1991 “I’m Your Baby Tonight World Tour” — takes up the last bit of open space that can accommodate a mannequin.

But Sutton-Ohannesian continues to curate to keep his sanctuary in top shape — and admitted that there are tempting offers to sell and make room for something new.

Without divulging specific prices, Sutton-Ohannesian said he’s spent anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars on a specific Houston dress. Other collectors would love to get their hands on the items, especially when the Houston estate works to build her legacy.

Offers can come in at several multiples of what he initially paid, Sutton-Ohannesian said. After all, these are investment pieces as much as they are collector’s items.

While this slice of music and fashion history is the showstopper at Sutton-Ohannesian’s home, he recognizes his move to Falmouth has brought him more than just elbow room to house the couture of his favorite artist.

“There’s something healing and restorative about being down here, and I didn’t realize how burnt out I was, but I’ve been able to heal here,” he said. “It’s allowed me the space to do that, and then the Whitney thing just kind of came on with it.”

Of course, one must know: Does this top-tier collector have a favorite Whitney Houston song?

It’s a toss-up between “I Will Always Love You” and “You’ll Never Stand Alone.”

It’s enough to get you so emotional.

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