TeamVIVA's Photographer, Fashion Editor & Viva Guest Alexis Knapp visit:
'A World of Paper, A World of Fashion' Isabelle de Borchgrave Meets Mariano Fortuny Exhibit
Last week VIVAFASHIONISTAS Photographer (and dear friend of mine) Bret Doss, approached me with an idea. This brilliant idea came just after his first visit to the B.A.M. (Bellevue Art Museum) for a meeting, and tour with the Fashion Group International.
While touring the exhibits, the group experienced a special walk-through of a paper dress exhibit, which was displayed on the museums third floor. The group was led by the exhibits designer Stefano Catalani, who poured every bit of himself into the research and building of this amazing world. Bret was so awe-struck that he presented the question to me: "How would you like to Cover the paper dress exhibit at B.A.M. this weekend?"
You can imagine both my intrigue, and excitement.
While touring the exhibits, the group experienced a special walk-through of a paper dress exhibit, which was displayed on the museums third floor. The group was led by the exhibits designer Stefano Catalani, who poured every bit of himself into the research and building of this amazing world. Bret was so awe-struck that he presented the question to me: "How would you like to Cover the paper dress exhibit at B.A.M. this weekend?"
You can imagine both my intrigue, and excitement.
Dresses. We're talking, full-on gowns & accessories all made out of paper! How could I possibly pass up the opportunity to see this? I couldn't. We set up our excursion, made all necessary plans & arrangements, and prepared ourselves for an amazing experience.
Friday, February 14th, 2014, We arrived to the museum, and met with our guest photographer, Alexis Knapp. We checked in, collected our press passes and made our way to the third floor. Having press passes meant that we (Bret, Alexis, and I) could take photos of and with an exhibit that allows 'NO PHOTOS' -- Where security guards and posted signs exhaustively repeat the rule like a mantra. We made many in attendance jealous. If only I received a dime for every time we heard "You're going to get in trouble.." or "Why do they get to take photos?!" I am beyond grateful for the access that I was given (being Viva's Fashion Editor comes with some pretty cool perks)
I couldn't seem to break myself of the fascination I felt towards each carefully crafted garment. I spent quite a bit of time leaning in really close, and then backing up, leaning in again, scouring the smallest details included in every piece. The pleating, every fold brushed in color, or detailing. All of them hand painted. All of them extravagant.
Some were masked in a softer, sheer paper that one would swear isn't paper at all, but a sheer gauzy material. I certainly could not believe it myself, and I was inches from it. It gave each piece new life, it made each of the garments that it graced, appear even more regal, and ethereal.
Friday, February 14th, 2014, We arrived to the museum, and met with our guest photographer, Alexis Knapp. We checked in, collected our press passes and made our way to the third floor. Having press passes meant that we (Bret, Alexis, and I) could take photos of and with an exhibit that allows 'NO PHOTOS' -- Where security guards and posted signs exhaustively repeat the rule like a mantra. We made many in attendance jealous. If only I received a dime for every time we heard "You're going to get in trouble.." or "Why do they get to take photos?!" I am beyond grateful for the access that I was given (being Viva's Fashion Editor comes with some pretty cool perks)
I couldn't seem to break myself of the fascination I felt towards each carefully crafted garment. I spent quite a bit of time leaning in really close, and then backing up, leaning in again, scouring the smallest details included in every piece. The pleating, every fold brushed in color, or detailing. All of them hand painted. All of them extravagant.
Some were masked in a softer, sheer paper that one would swear isn't paper at all, but a sheer gauzy material. I certainly could not believe it myself, and I was inches from it. It gave each piece new life, it made each of the garments that it graced, appear even more regal, and ethereal.
Just about everything was made of paper. Pillows, shoes, tapestries, instruments of all types, hanging lanterns and the chains that held them. It was truly breath-taking. Check out the gallery below for some more pieces and keep a look out for the full coverage on VivaFashionistas.com! |