In William Gibson's novel Idoru two women face a webcam of the
future while chatting, one in the Orient and the other in America. As
far as we know both are absolutely naked yet as each look at each other
in whatever large monitor the future will bring us they are exquisitely
dressed in designer clothing. Behind them (in actual fact, probably an
empty room) is designer furniture. Special effect fractals coat the
tables with authentic dust. The room looks lived in. The women are
wearing virtual designer clothing purchased on line. We no longer are
what we seem to be. A huge on line company can in actual fact be one
person. This is the 2007 version of the rock and roll
impresario/artist/manager/roadie/fan/merchandiser being any one of them
by using a different voice on a different phone line.
And if you have a look at the covers of the magazines on a London Drugs
magazine stand you will note that the young women on them have skin with
no pores or one defect. They shine with the glow of Photoshop.
Perhaps you might notice one magazine that is slightly different. It
features Molly Parker. You would note her freckles and her skin is not
so smooth. To me she looks even more beautiful because this is how she
is.