For Whitney Houston fans, each collectible captures a moment in time

Oprah Winfrey called Whitney Houston’s voice a national treasure.

Dolly Parton’s bank account — especially after Houston iconicly covered her song “I Will Always Love You” for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack — may support that claim.

It may come as a surprise, then, that a collection of the late singer’s fashion choices is housed in a Falmouth home rather than a museum.

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

The 34-year-old, originally from Hopedale, bought a three-bedroom house in Falmouth earlier this year, and one of his must-haves was a space to house the late singer’s growing array of dresses and jewellery, as well as memorabilia.

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

His collection, which includes dresses from the 1993-94 Bodyguard world tour and a Valentino couture gown Houston wore to the 1991 American Cinema Awards, began a little over a year ago, while he was going through a divorce. But what may have started as a hobby during a difficult time has turned into a passion project with a dedicated Instagram page that has connected Sutton-Ohannesian with other fans and even Houston’s family and friends.

The Whitney Houston Room at the Sutton-Ohannesian may not be on par with the Smithsonian Institution, but you can’t help but notice a few similarities: The room is set at a gentle temperature to keep the fabrics in pristine condition, and security sensors protect the collection. You may want to dance with someone, but don’t touch them.

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

“For me, I’m preserving a part of his 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 acknowledges that space is limited. The latest addition to the collection — a custom-made Pamela Dennis suit top that Houston wore to concerts in Japan during the 1991 “I’m Your Baby Tonight” world tour — occupies the last open space that can accommodate a mannequin.

But Sutton-Ohannesian continues to maintain his sanctuary to keep it in pristine condition – and admits there are tempting offers to sell it and make room for something new.

Without revealing a specific price, Sutton-Ohannesian said she has spent hundreds to thousands of dollars on a particular Houston dress. Other collectors would love to get their hands on such items, especially as Houston’s estate works to build her legacy.

Bids can fetch several times the original price paid, Sutton-Ohannesian said. After all, these are as much investment pieces as they are collectibles.

While this slice of music and fashion history is the highlight of Sutton-Ohannesian’s show, he acknowledges that his move to Falmouth has given him more than just room to house his favorite artist’s couture.

“There’s something restorative and healing about being here. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was, but I was able to heal here,” he said. “It gave me the space to do that, and then the Whitney thing came along.”

Of course, you have to know: Does this high-profile collector have a favorite Whitney Houston song?

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

It’s enough to make you so emotional.

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