Continuing through January 12 at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta, “Fashioning Art from Paper” examines the trompe l’oeil works of celebrated Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave, marking the final stop of a two-year tour that began at Memphis’ Dixon Gallery & Gardens.
For 25 years, the lauded painter, fashion designer and textile artisan has merged her passions to create a body of work made entirely from paper—a material she cuts, shapes, paints and manipulates to realistically mimic textiles like tulle, velvet, silk brocade and even a quite convincing rendition of pearls. Installed amid a sumptuous, Renaissance-inspired backdrop, the elaborate sculptures interpret historic ensembles spanning more than five centuries, from the opulent garments of Florence’s famed Medici family and Elizabethan gowns to the streamlined silhouettes of Mariano Fortuny—a major source of de Borchgrave’s inspiration—and Coco Chanel.
Also on display are Borchgrave’s takes on costumes for the Russian ballet by Léon Bakst, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and more, plus suzani caftans inspired by Central Asia’s prized Silk Road.
