The History of Lace
The History of Lace
By Olivia Blackwell— October 6th, 2025
Originating in the 16th century, lace has long been a symbol of delicacy and style in the fashion realm. Nowadays, lace graces elegant wedding gowns and designer ready-to-wear collections, and it has prevailed season after season. However, its story runs deeper than beauty alone. With meanings of heritage, sensuality, and power, lace has long been used to transform pieces into sophisticated statements.
Lace began as a fabric of the powerful, with both men and women of high societal status wearing it with pride. Royalty and clergy dressed themselves in lace details and dramatic collars as a mark of prestige and wealth. In its earliest form, lace had no inherent gender until it evolved into the modern feminine designs we know today.
Before the era of mass consumption, the sheer fabric required hand-tying, which contributed to its luxury status in its early days. Lace was crafted through two major techniques: bobbin lace and needle lace. Bobbin lace involved twisting and braiding threads on top of a pillow, while needle lace was a process that consisted only of needlework. Both methods were highly meticulous, and while the lace dazzled, the creators of these garments were rarely in the spotlight.
By the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution introduced a new era for lace-making as production transformed. Due to this, lace became more affordable and popular among the masses.
In the current fashion realm, we find sheer lace tops, silk skirts, camis with lace trims, and, of course, lace-adorned wedding dresses. The endless combinations of cuts and hues make this timeless textile one that can be styled to anyone's aesthetic.
Lace has truly stood the test of time, nodding to its legacy of elegance while continuing to evolve with current trends. Today, designers across the spectrum are embracing lace as a playground for creativity, from runway collections to everyday wear. In an era where fashion thrives on mixing, clashing, and rewriting the rules, lace emerges as the perfect tool.
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