Thirty extraordinary dresses made entirely of paper by creative Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave were exhibited at Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan.

From Dior suits to colourful Japanese kimonos, from Lanvin and Poiret evening gowns to the unmistakable style of Chanel, the famous villa designed by Piero Portaluppi hosted paper reproductions of dresses that have made the history of fashion and style from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.

On 5 and 6 November, an exhibition and market was staged at Villa Necchi Campiglio, with twenty paper artists and artisans showcasing their creations. Three special workshops were held during the same weekend with Sandro Tiberi (paper master at Fabriano), Angela Florio (Milanese paper artist-artisan) and Luisa Canovi (Milanese origami artist).

The event is part of “Manualmente”, also curated by Angelica Guicciardini, now in its fifth edition. Main partner of the project is the Cologni Foundation.