Last week I had the pleasure of visting one of my favorite DC museums,
Hillwood, to see the new exhibit
Pret-a-Papier by paper artist
Isabelle de Borchgrave.
Unlike many exhibits at
Hillwood, this one is spread throughout the mansion itself as well as in one of the exhibit spaces on the
estate.
Believe it or not, all of the historic clothing you see here is made of nothing but paper and paint!
De Borchgrave brings such life to paper that you would swear there were living, breathing people housed in her creations.
My 2 favorite were based on paintings in the collection in the ballroom / screening room, seen here.
The piece on Countess Samoilova even included the jewelry in paper!
The pieces span the 17th through the 20th centuries, much like Hillwood's collection. I loved these flapper dresses found out in the Adirondack building.
This 19th dress in Mrs. Post's bedroom reminded me of something she might have worn in her teens.
The French Salon featured matching costumes;
Including shoes!
I loved the details on this dress, you could practically see Martha Washington wearing this.
Don't miss Pret a Papier on view now at
Hillwood through December 30. Don't forget, the collection is constantly changing so you'll always see something new other than the lovely seasonal gardens!
Last week I had the pleasure of visting one of my favorite DC museums, Hillwood, to see the new exhibit Pret-a-Papier by paper artist Isabelle de Borchgrave.
Unlike many exhibits at Hillwood, this one is spread throughout the mansion itself as well as in one of the exhibit spaces on the estate.
Believe it or not, all of the historic clothing you see here is made of nothing but paper and paint! 
De Borchgrave brings such life to paper that you would swear there were living, breathing people housed in her creations.
My 2 favorite were based on paintings in the collection in the ballroom / screening room, seen here.
The piece on Countess Samoilova even included the jewelry in paper!
The pieces span the 17th through the 20th centuries, much like Hillwood's collection. I loved these flapper dresses found out in the Adirondack building.
This 19th dress in Mrs. Post's bedroom reminded me of something she might have worn in her teens.
The French Salon featured matching costumes;
Including shoes!
I loved the details on this dress, you could practically see Martha Washington wearing this.
Don't miss Pret a Papier on view now at Hillwood through December 30. Don't forget, the collection is constantly changing so you'll always see something new other than the lovely seasonal gardens!
I have yet to see any of these paper creations in person but they look breathtaking. I'll put Hillwood on my summer visiting list.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to read about Marjorie Merriweather Post and her constant quest for perfection. I remember hearing somewhere that she had the cobblestones leading up to Hillwood regularly polshed!
ReplyDeleteI was able to see her exhibit at the DeYoung in San Francisco last year. It was spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning creations...a real art form. I just hope that i will find time to visit.
ReplyDeleteI have seen her work before but it never ceases to amaze. Thanks for sharing the amazing clothes. WOW
ReplyDeleteAmazing exhibit!
ReplyDeleteYou know I adore paper and fashion....so I would love to see this. I am glad it is on exhibit until December 30th! It is on my long list of things I must see and do.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing!
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I almost did a post about these creations the other day! How cool that you got to see them in person---and at such a wonderful venue!
ReplyDeleteI drove by Hillwood only the other day, on a very brief trip to Washington. If I'd known about this exhibit, I would certainly have made a detour. I have known about Ms. Borchgrave's paper creations for some time now, but have never actually seen one. Marvelous! Reggie
ReplyDeleteI've always admired her work. How great to see it in person. Wishing you a Happy 4th and a great start to the summer! Michele
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Austria, Traude
Bless you! I saw this advertized on a DC bus, but didn't have time to go. Thanks for the pictures. For some reason I thought this was closed, so maybe I will get to see it after all.
ReplyDelete