Pulp Fashion at the Legion of Honor Photo by Ingrid Mida 2011 |
Elizabethan gown by Isabelle de Borchegrave Photo: Andreas von Einsiedel |
In White presents eight gowns constructed out of white paper to illustrate the changes in silhouette in women's fashions over history.
The Fortuny Room, which includes a recreation of an exhibition tent from the 1911 Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, was inspired by the work of the Spanish born fashion designer Fortuny. The tent is an exotic creation with a mystical sensibility that highlights Isabelle's great skill with paper and provides a total immersion into the Fortuny oeuvre.
The Medici Room which includes life-size recreations of the women and children of the Medici family was based on historical paintings. Some of Isabelle's most extraordinary work is featured in this room. The eye-popping details of lace ruffs, jewelery and rich fabrics have been meticulously crafted and bring to life costumes that otherwise only exist in paintings.
Inspiration includes the recreation of five new costumes inspired by four paintings in the museum's collection.
To see more photos and read a more detailed review of this exhibition, see my article in the online journal Fashion Projects.
Pulp Fashion, the Art of Isabelle de Borchegrave continues its run at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco until June 5, 2011.