0 Pulp Fashion

photo: Legion of Honor

The art of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave is being featured at The Legion of Honor in San Francisco, and I had a chance to see it yesterday.

All of the costumes above represent the Medici and are made entirely out of paper.

Paper is her medium, textiles and costumes are her muse.

photo: Legion of Honor

We were all amazed the way the artist manipulates and paints the paper to create such detail! It is hard to believe they are not real, more like trompe l'oeil. Of course we weren't allowed to touch, but also no cell phone photos were allowed.

photo: Legion of Honor

This costume of a Neapolitan woman was inspired by the painting in the background by Stanzione, ca 1635. Even the chicken is paper.

photo: Andreas von Einsiendel

Detail of an Elizabeth I court dress. Doesn't it look real?

photo: Legion of Honor

19th century dresses.

photo: Legion of Honor

The Fortuny Tent was my favorite. She was greatly inspired by Fortuny, and this tent pays homage to his art and fabrics. The diaphanous curtain panels are made from lens cleaner paper.

I think this would be the perfect replacement tent for my backyard!

photo: Creations Isabelle de Borchgrave

The artist at work.

The Legion of Honor is the first museum in the United States to dedicate an entire exhibition to Isabelle de Borchgrave's work.

The exhibition runs to June 5th. If you are planning to visit San Francisco, this is a must see! The museum alone is worth the visit commanding views of The City, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean and Marin Headlands. For more information, visit the website for the Legion here.