10 MUST HAVE LACE DRESSES

Lace dresses are hot. Lace is no longer just for old ladies and weddings. While using lace was once designated to the role of trimming collars and hems this has changed in modern years. I remember when a lace trim on a collar made the garment look juvenile or old-fashioned. These days are behind us and lace has now become a fabric used to create fashion forward garments that stun us on the modern runways.

Lace is a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made by machine or by hand.

Originally linen, silk , gold, or silver threads were used. In fact now lace is often made with cotton thread, although linen and silk threads are still available. Once made by hand it was considered one of the most valuable fabrics . Since the renaissance lace has been a treasured fabric and is still used for our most important garments in society. Therefore wedding dresses and christening gowns are often made from lace.

LACE TODAY

Of course our relationship to lace has changed greatly overtime . In fact this traditionally elite fabric has become more commonplace .For this reason the quality of the fabric used varies greatly. Of course high end fashion houses use handmade fabric made by artisans often used in couture garments, RTW uses many variations of machine made fabric.

Furthermore we can find many different patterns , scales and colors of lace. Hence this fabric has become much more versatile and has been shown in so many creative ways . Designers have embraced this fabric and are showing a huge amount of lace for Spring/Summer 2017.

LACE ON THE RUNWAY S/S 2017

In my opinion there is one common thread that ran thru most of the S/S 17 collections and that is femininity . Of course other elements come forward as trends but ruffles , florals, pastels and lace stand out.

Meanwhile Designers across the spectrum have lace dresses in their S/S17 shows . Ultimately the overall theme was ultra feminine . Detailed frilly and lace dresses stand out as a theme. The use of lace is first and foremost. Lace dresses come into their own in many styles and designs.

DESIGNERS LACE THINGS UP

Sara Burton for McQueen designs a romantic craft oriented collection that featuring sinuous dresses knitted from wool lace. This collection is inspired by the crafts of the Shetland isles and lace dresses were arguably the centre of the show. In fact the show is named “Traditional Lace and Islands “.

Self Portrait designs a collection that stays loyal to the frilly look many customers already embrace. The frocks this season are less rigid , However relaxed lace dresses that seem to be falling off the body with ease are prominent.

Meanwhile Ellie Saab uses lace inserts .Similarily at Zimmermann they create tiered, flouncy, youthful lace dresses. Dolce & Gabbana gives us lace dresses that are reminiscent of Scilian widows. Runway looks by Johnthan Simkhai , Altuzarra, Rodarte and Prabal Gurung gave us various themes on lace dresses .