ANN/THE STAR – While some might link lace primarily with the embellishments of bed and table linens, innovative fashion designers are transforming this fabric into breathtaking ready-to-wear garments, turning it into a captivating focal point.
Originating in 16th Century Europe, this exquisite material seamlessly blends artisanal craftsmanship and femininity, adding a sensual allure as it delicately showcases the skin it drapes.
Lace also epitomises sheer glamour. Think 1960s screen goddess Datuk Sarimah Ahmad in her form-fitting lace kebaya she wore in many of her movies, or Italian film legend Sophia Loren in a black lace dress for Dolce & Gabbana’s lipstick ad, endorsing the cherry red shade named after her, Sophia Loren N°1.
Not just for home linens, brides, or screen sirens, many fashion designers are using lace in their Spring/Summer 2024 collections.
Even if it’s merely a slender strip running down the centre of a black dress, as showcased on Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2024 runway, lace is wholeheartedly embraced.
Lace comes in abundance in Ralph Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection including a printed lace bustier paired with tailored pinstripe trousers, a lace-detailed maxi dress complemented by a denim jacket, and an organza shirt accented with lace, elegantly matched with tailored pants.
In its Spring/Summer 2024 collection, Christian Dior offers a line of dresses crafted from the most beautiful black or beige lace fabrics.
Each dress features a meticulous composition of several lace types, incorporating cut-out and appliqued floral elements that intricately form a textured relief in guipure (a type of lace known for its raised patterns).
Black lace appears in Dolce & Gabbana’s latest collection – for men! For daring dudes, there’s the option to wear black Chantilly lace trousers and a top. For a refined cover-up, a tailored jacket made of technical wool and featuring a 3D brooch on its peak lapel is available with the lace duo.
Shanghai Tang, a Hong Kong luxury label, also includes black lace in its newest line. The outfit with a Mandarin collar seamlessly melds the essence of traditional Chinese aesthetics with a contemporary edge.
It was worn by Miss Universe Indonesia 2013 Whulandary Herman at the store’s opening in LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, Kuala Lumpur recently.
