SIA Gallery of Style | Paper Sculptures by Karen Hawkins

Since we all chose different works of art from Karen Hawkins’ portfolio, I am going to share multiple photos of each participant for this particular gallery to show which paper sculpture inspired each outfit.

About Style Imitating Art

Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, and Marsha of Marsha in the Middle and it challenges us to draw fashion inspiration from works of art. Every other Monday, one of the hosts, acting as curator, selects an inspiration artwork that they will each post on their blogs. The following Monday, each host shares her art inspired outfit. Participants are invited to submit their art inspired outfits to the curator by 10:00 p.m. EST on the Tuesday following the hosts’ art inspired outfit posts. The following day, Wednesday, the curator will share all of the submissions on her blog. 

Remember, you don’t have to be a blogger to join. You are invited to share your images on Instagram or other social media platforms. Just be sure to tag Salazar, Shelbee, and Marsha on Instagram so the hosts know you have joined. Go have some fun in your closets and join one of our SIA challenges!

The Artwork

Paper Sculptures by Karen Hawkins

The Gallery of Style

The submissions are in no particular order. If you have submitted a photo and I did not include it, please let me know and I will make the necessary edits. Sometimes emails get lost in the shuffle. That being said, we would love to see more participants join us for our fun style challenges. Anyone is welcome to play along. Just watch for our Monday posts when we share the artwork, style an outfit inspired by it, and email it to one of the co-hosts to be featured in our gallery posts. We encourage you to invite your friends, too! 

You can read more details about each outfit by clicking on the individual blog links or the images in this post.

Sally of Within a World of My Own

Sally chose one of Karen Hawkins’ Book Cover and Paper Collages in shades of blue for her outfit inspiration.

And she delivered a lovely casual spring outfit accessorized, of course, with some of her beautiful paper bead jewelry!

Sally said, “An outfit inspired by artwork made from paper? Yes please. I knew I would feature some of my DIY paper jewelry, but I wasn’t sure what direction to go with it until I saw this paper collage with strips of blue paper in various shades against a white/ivory background. I picked out a paper bead necklace, a set of paper bead bracelets, and a pair of paper earrings that also included multiple blue tones with white. I repeated the colors and the geometric stripe vibe in my base outfit: a navy blouse with vertical pleats down the center, light denim skimmer shorts, and navy/white striped ballet flats that were perfect for a warm spring day with a high temperature near 80F (27 C).”

Marsha of Marsha in the Middle

Marsha picked one of Karen Hawkins’ Jellyrolls installations that is filled with color.

She had the perfect dress to capture all the whimsy of this artwork.

Marsha said, “I selected Jellyrolls because I just didn’t have much that would work for a neutral look. I recently bought this Zuri dress in one of their surprise sales when you have no idea what you’re going to get. I was thrilled to see how well the dots and colors went with the Jellyrolls I picked! I loved reading about this artist and what she’s all about. I’m so glad you found her, Shelbee!”

Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey

Salazar used the Totems as her inspiration.

These inspired a gorgeous warm weather outfit in neutral spring tones.

Salazar said, “I immediately knew I’d wear this skirt. As for the top, I went with this linen button-up, because the subtle stripes remind me of the print on the paper, and it’s an echo of the pleats as well. I paired them with my zebra-printed belt and clogs as more nods to the stripes/pleat. I’m stoked with how the outfit turns out, and can’t wait to see what everybody wears!”

And Me!

I chose two different paper sculptures for two different outfits.

First, the Mandala…

This sculpture gave me the perfect opportunity to style my gorgeous new Soft Surroundings Hana 3/4 Sleeve Open Front Satin Topper.

Next the Totems…

The Paper Totems were the perfect inspiration to style my newly thrifted patchwork print topper.

I hope you all have enjoyed this very creative and unique round of Style Imitating Art. If you would like to try one of these style challenges, be sure to stop back on Monday, April 27, 2026, for Salazar’s next art inspiration. 

Keeping it on the edge, 

Shelbee