Fabricated! Bridal fabrics 101: Lace

November 24, 4:43 PMBridal Fashion ExaminerAbigail Kwei

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Ellie Saab for Pronovias embroidered beaded lace

Lace is the most intriguing of all fabrics because of the way it is crafted with holes and gaps deliberately woven into the fabric to create an interesting pattern. Cheaper versions of lace are woven into regular fabric, and the holes are cut out of the fabric later. Lacy patterns are often a combination of floral and leafy designs but the options are endless. In contemporary fashion, lace is mainly seen in the lingerie department, although it makes occasional appearances as trimming on blouses and party dresses. Many women stay away from lace because of the myth that lace tends to look dated and dreary but the truth is, there are so many different types of lace made out of completely different fibers such as silk, cotton, linen or synthetic fiber; thus while some types of lace may invoke the vintage spirit of previous centuries, there are other types of lace with a more contemporary appearance.
 

Lace is usually light weight with a sheer or transparent quality to it, so it regularly used as an overlay with a heavier fabric underneath it. The delicate beauty of lace has resulted in it being used as trimming or added embellishment on wedding dresses. Brides have the option to go for a gown with all over lace, or choose the simpler alternative of lace detailing on portions of the gown such as the hemline, neckline or waist. Lace adds a unique textured quality to garments unlike any other fabric, it 
is frequently incorporated into many other bridal accessories such as veils, gloves and wraps. Many modern bridal designers add lacy elements to their gowns in an effort to blend past and present trends, resulting in timeless pieces that can be worn for years to come.

L-R Lazaro Alençon lace, AgapéEver French Chantilly Lace, Valentino for Pronovias, Demetrios, Manuel Mota for Pronovias, Maggie Sottero

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