There is a fascinating exhibit at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.  Pulp Fashion was created by Belgian artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave.  Isabelle is a painter by trade, but has taken rag paper and turned it into trompe l'oeil masterpieces of elaborate dresses inspired by European paintings and costumes in museum collections throughout the world.

There are many examples of clothing throughout history, from the Medici finery of the Renaissance to gowns worn by Elizabeth I and Marie-Antoinette.  Modern day is also represented with paper reproductions of works by Poiret, Dior, and Chanel.  Special focus is given to the creations of Mariano Fortuny, a major source of inspiration to de Borchgrave.

The exhibit runs through June 5, 2011.  If you visit the Legion of Honor website, you'll be treated to an Exhibition Preview.  These works give a whole new meaning to the words "paper piecing."