Isabelle de Borchgrave re-creates elaborate costumes, in paper. She crumples, pleats, braids and paints the surface of simple rag paper to achieve the effect of textiles and create the illusion of haute couture. Her work is inspired by fashions from European paintings, famous costumes and the designs of grand couturiers.  (Above, from the 1700s, influenced by Antoine Watteau’s fêtes galantes)

For this exhibit at Hillwood, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former mansion in Washington, D.C., the renowned Belgian artist creates the illusion of lace, brocade, delicate silk, and sumptuous embroidery. The fashions cover a range of styles from the late 17^th to the early 20^th century. (Above: A French 18th century dress)

Red Fern of London dress, 1924 (left) and 1924 Lanvin Dress in spirit of Chinese prints and lacquers with diamanté and bead embroidery effect in paint (middle) and orange dress after Mariano Fortuny.

See more styles, studio views and links to other exhibitions at Isabelle de Borchgrave’s website, here.