Lace is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for countless prestigious fashion houses. The TextielMuseum will present the international exhibition 'The Art of Lace | . from 16 November Haute couture from Chanel to Iris van Herpen', which showcases creations from the world's most renowned fashion houses. The exhibition, previously on display in Calais, focuses on the innovative strength of French Leavers lace. The visitor gets a look behind the scenes at the lace makers and couturiers:from the design and manufacturing process to the end product, ready for the catwalk. With nearly 50 pieces by Alberta Ferretti, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Iris van Herpen, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Schiaparelli, Valentino and Yiqing Yin.
The exhibition 'The art of lace' offers a look behind the scenes of haute couture and shows the dialogue between the Leavers lace makers and the fashion houses. Where fashion houses normally keep their suppliers and techniques secret, this exhibition exposes the complete process per haute couture piece, with videos and samples that can be touched. The process from lace to couture is one of continuous development and innovation of the craft. The art of lace honors not only the vision of the fashion designer, but also the creativity and craftsmanship of the lace maker, uniquely showing the journey from thread to fashion show.
Lace development
The lace, originally handmade, was extremely expensive due to its intensive and slow production process. When the industrial revolution continued in England at the beginning of the 19th century, various lace machines were developed, including the Leavers loom. After smuggling the machine to the north of France, a rich lace industry is created in which the Leavers technique plays the leading role. With the advent of knitted lace and a changing taste in fashion, the craft of woven lace has come under pressure from the 1960s due to its technical complexity and high costs. Today, only a handful of specialist lace makers produce the Dentelle de Calais-Caudry, making fabrics for the largest fashion houses in Paris and beyond.
On the occasion of the exhibition, the museum is organizing various workshops and master classes on lace and fashion. www.textielmuseum.nl.
Photo credits
Chanel, Photo:Fred Collier | Ville de Calais (Haute Dentelle)
