Belgian artist, designer, and interior decorator Isabelle de Borchgrave has created exquisite paper dresses evoking high fashions from the courts of the Medici in the Renaissance to the legendary Fortuny silks of the early 20th century. Their historical authenticity, combined with their startling realism, caused an overnight sensation when they were first shown in France in 1998 as “papiers à la mode.” Since then, the dynamic, light-hearted collection has traveled all over the world to critical and popular acclaim.

Paper Illusions does full justice to De Borchgrave’s magical workshop, where paper is cut, folded, and painted on the way to being transformed into shimmering visions of beautiful clothing and luxurious living. In Rene Stoeltie’s vivid photographs, figures from the history of style seem to breathe in atmospheric rooms, while details of color, pattern, and form jump off the page. It is a publishing event of unprecedented creativity, wit, and elegance.