Photo Courtesy of MyPointofView
Lace has been around for centuries, making its first debut into wide-spread use in the 15th and 16th centuries. Previously used as table cloths, doilies, to embroider petticoats, accent wedding gowns, or provide more coverage -- think Victorian era high necked dresses with a broach at the throat -- lace has served a multitude of purposes and remained a popular favorite. In early eighteenth-century France and Belgium, lace-makers produced some of the finest hand-made lace in the world, minutely woven with intimate detail. Consider the role that lace has played in the Spanish culture: mantilla-clad ladies with lace-accented fans immediately come to mind.
Lace is also a favorite for bridal wear. According to the recent WSJ article The Changing Face of Lace, "Grace Kelly's full needle-lace wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Rainer of Monaco was stitched by an army of MGM seamstresses in four complex parts."
It is distinctly feminine and has largely stayed within the realms of women's fashion, except for the brief historic time period when gentlemen would sport a rather gaudy lace cravat. Doubtful that it will be making a come-back any time soon!
Why is it so popular? Lace is alluring to both men and women; it is both fragile and yet strong, appealing to the eye, mysterious or revealing, depending on how it is worn. It is as adaptable to the wearer as the individuality of the wearer herself. Overall, it makes ladies feel gorgeous.
Happily, designers are implementing lace elements with reckless abandon this spring.
 |
| D&G Dress courtesy of Bloomingdales.com |
 |
| Oscar de La Renta dress courtesy of Style.com |
 |
| GUESS lace pumps courtesy of Bloomingdales.com |
 |
| Photo courtesy of ShopRuche.com |
 |
| Free People jacket courtesy of Bloomingdales.com |
 |
| Photo courtesy of Anthropologie.com |
 |
| Photo courtesy of ShopRuche.com |
 |
| Photo courtesy of CupcakesandCashmere |
This trend can be worn in small doses whether in a shirt that has elements of lace peeping out under ruffles, or shoes that sport lacy accents (too chic!). It can also be a bold statement with an entirely lace-layered skirt a la ballerina-esque, or a lacy shirt. It is rather uncomfortable to see women wearing lace shirts with little underneath. Spare everyone the awkward moment by pairing the lace shirt with a cute undershirt, possibly of a different color for an added punch. For an edgy look, layer the delicate lace with a harder material, such as a leather crop jacket or heavy draped cardigan for added dimension and interest.
No comments:
Post a Comment