Yesterday my friend Char and I went over to the Bellevue Art Museum to see a wonderful paper dresses. It sounds a bit strange, but it was so amazing, I am in awe of the woman who did it.
This is a wonderful dress and jacket. We were amazed at the lining in the jacket, it all looks as if it has been sewn.
This is a closeup of the dress and how it looks. Even a belt to go with it.
This is absolutely amazing, Char thinks they used rice paper as the overdress because she couldn’t see any weave. It is so transparent, almost gossamer. There was a wonderful lavender one, a red one and a beautiful green.
When Mariano Fortuny was creating the clothes, he used very fine pleated fabric, silks and wonderful luxurious fabrics for his designs. he had trouble finding a way to keep the pleats in, then he patented a machine that steamed the pleats in to make sure they stayed. To store a dress, it was twisted and then coiled into a hat box – then shake it out when ready to wear.
This is an amazing dress with an interesting jacket. The back of the jacket goes down to the bottom hem – with a wonderful belt to hold it together.
The lapels fold back showing a lining, then the belt holding it together.
I really liked this one, in person it is lighter in color and it made me think of sunny spring.
Most of the dresses had their hems positioned like this – gathered into the legs and then flaring out – though I doubt it can be worn like that. Let’s face it, I would likely trip over the hem at some point.
What can I say? It boggles my mind and I am lost in admiration not only for Isabelle de Borchgrave but the original designer Mariano Fortuny.
Tags: Bellvue Art Museum, dresses, Isabelle de Borchgrave, jackets, Mariano Fortuny, paper fashions
Gift of RA 
February 7, 2014 at 11:07 pm |
Very nice post, Liz. I’m glad you enjoyed it–I certainly did!! Of course, best of all was spending time with you!!
February 8, 2014 at 9:26 am |
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and fortunately we didn’t have to walk very far in the bitter cold (for us). Did you google Isabelle de Borchhgrave? I clicked on Images and it was amazing to see her work – WOW! We always have fun when we are together. Thanks for letting me know about this exhibit.
February 9, 2014 at 10:01 pm |
You’re welcome; thanks for agreeing to join me!!
I haven’t googled Isabelle de Borchgrave yet, but I saw your post following this one–fabulous pictures!