Fashion Blogs

Lace is a thin and light patterned fabric that can be produced by machines or by hand. The process of production is intricate and involves meticulous process like looping, braiding and twisting threads. Lace is often made from one of three materials- silk, cotton or rayon and it has a distinctive pattern on in. The distinction of lace from other fabrics is the gaps in the weaves interspersed with solid patches where the designs demand it.

Lace fabric, when it was first discovered in the 15th century, was made using silk, linen or metallic fibers like gold and silver. However, when cotton was discovered, it replaced all other fabrics to become the preferred fiber for lace. However, the results, although effective on cost were a lot less effective in terms of creativity and aesthetic appeal. For this reason, the advent of the industrial revolution’s contribution in terms of bringing fibers like nylon and rayon was a boon.

Often there is confusion between lace and embroidery. While the latter is done after the fabric has been made and is in the process of becoming a garment, lace is a fabric in itself. In fact laces can be used as embroidery on completed fabrics but not vice versa.

There are many different types of lace that are famous around the world. The most popular among them is the Guipure lace which is intricate, heavy, elaborate and made using silk, linen or metallic fibers. The other types that are being used in ethnic fashion as well as foreign fashion are Filet lace, Corded lace, Limerick lace and Beaded lace. In ethnic fashion, lace has been used as trimmings on saree borders to lend a very feminine and graceful look. Some of the most high-end collections have used lace as trimmings on chiffon and georgette sarees.