Isabelle de Borchgrave Artworks Take On New Life As Textiles

The late Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave is best known for her intricate paper sculptures, including astonishing trompe l’oeil replicas of period garments. She was also a longtime friend of Patrick Frey, the head of the French textile house Pierre Frey, and the two had started collaborating on a collection when de Borchgrave died in 2024. Frey worked closely with her studio to complete it. The result is Mémoires Colorées: 15 fabrics, 17 wallpapers, and nine rugs based on de Borchgrave’s artworks. For an exhibit depicting Frida Kahlo’s home and wardrobe, de Borchgrave created colorful paper belts and trims; they become the embroidered stripes of linen blend Frida, also available as an embossed wallpaper. Just as vibrant is linen Bebelle, which replicates a collage using allover embroidery that captures the artist’s childlike spirit. pierrefrey.com