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Originally used by clergy of the early Catholic Church as part of vestments in religious ceremonies, the craft of lace began in the first half of the 14th century, but did not come into widespread use until the 16th century.
Traditionally, lace was used to make tablecloths and doilies and then later in both men’s and women’s clothing, however today lace such as chantilly, kenmare, bobbin, knotted or crocheted has been reinvented and crafted into many garments including accessories such as shoes and dramatic lace skullies.
This versatile fabrication, originally made from silk or cotton, has evolved with laser-cut lace appearing throughout a number of the Resort 2012 collections. This technology savvy technique, which uses the accurate targeting of a laser cutter to precision, provides an inspired 60s retro floral anatomy cut out in modest shapes of light-hued lace and other fabrics bringing out the inner lady in all of us.
Elle Fanning in Louis Vuitton from the Spring 2012 collection
Delicate lace has also consumed the collections of many designers. Sheer fabrics and lace adorned the runways in the collections of Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta,Vera Wang, Christopher Kane and Christian Dior. Even Donna Karen’s pre-fall 2012 DKNY collection (which has previously been known for its girly grunge look) was full of obvious feminine silhouettes with laser-cut lace and eyelet used in day dresses and short and long sleeve t-shirts.
A favorite of mine channeling the Victorian lace look is the recent McQueen 2012 collection by Sarah Burton, presenting the most magnificent and intriguing display of mysteriously lace masked faces and corseted bodices. Women’s Wear Daily described it as “fetish of the prettiness sort”.
Indiana Holley 