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!
