Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave is a painter by training, but textile and costume are her muses. Working in collaboration with leading costume historians and young fashion designers, de Borchgrave crafts a world of splendor from the simplest rag paper. Painting and manipulating the paper, she forms trompe l’oeil masterpieces of elaborate dresses inspired by rich depictions in early European painting or by iconic costumes in museum collections around the world.
The Legion of Honor is the first American museum to dedicate an entire exhibition to the work of Isabelle de Borchgrave, although her creations have been widely displayed in Europe. The word around town is this is a MUST SEE!
Pulp Fashion draws on several themes and presents quintessential examples in the history of costume—from Renaissance finery of the Medici family and gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette to the creations of the grand couturiers Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel. Special attention is given to the creations and studio of Mariano Fortuny, the eccentric early-20th-century artist who is both a major source of inspiration to de Borchgrave and a kindred spirit.
Special Event March 6th, and March 20th Sunday 12–2 pm
Le Belle Vie at the Legion of Honor hosts a chamber music series presented in partnership with San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music and Classical Revolution featuring live music by Rhythm Sisters and artist demonstrations celebrating Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave. Free after museum admission. For more information, email amartin@famsf.org or call 415-750-3531
FOR A COMPLETE AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW by Geneva Anderson please visit ARThound
