Open Lightbox: (new)  Collection contains 37 images

Brussels 'paper' apartment

A modern apartment near the centre of Brussels is home to artist Isabelle de Borchgrave and her family

A modern apartment near the centre of Brussels is home to artist Isabelle de Borchgrave and her family. Isabelle is a painter, designer and most famously the creator of an extraordinary collection of painted paper costumes. The first called 'Papiers a la Mode' covered 300 years of the history of fashion and has been exhibited all over the world. Then followed dresses and costumes inspired by Mario Fortuny and a further collection of Medici costumes from Queens and Princes to childrens costumes, first exhibited at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi (until June 2009) and then moving to Brussels to be shown until April 2010. Isabelle is currently working on 40 dresses created in hommage to Diaghilev and the Ballet Russes to be shown in St Petersburg in late 2009. The lace, jewellery, shoes and mannequin's hair are all made of paper. Her fascination and skill at using paper can be seen in the apartment - the curtain panels on the large windows and sliding doors are painted and cut paper, a good way to create original screens that can be changed at whim. The apartment which is light and airy is furnished with entertaining in mind. The couple are hospitable and cook for friends frequently - both kitchen suppers and larger dinners in the dining room. Coloured rugs, artworks and upholstery add colour to the white rooms all with wooden floorboards. The de Borchgraves have eclectic taste, love books, ethnic pieces and printed fabrics. In the kitchen much of the china (for Gien) was designed by Isabelle who also designs paper products for the USA, paints tile designs, makes paper vases and cardboard furniture. She is a creative sensation and a fine artist.