There’s a classic old world charm about lace. And, like all things fashionable, it is well acquainted with the art of re-invention. This season, the allure lies in making things casual like never before.

Taking the cue, lace is casually spreading its trendy wings and is visible almost everywhere. At the New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013, Roberto Cavalli’s creation basked in sensuality with delicate chantilly lace placed on bare thighs in a knee-high black sheath dress, Max Azria got flirty while juxtaposing black lace and straps of leather on a white midi, creating a brilliant monochromatic effect. Designer Chadwick Bell settled for a short armour-like sleeveless jacket created out of yellow lace, placed on an unstructured white top. Dolce and Gabbana had lace on sleeves, neckline, collar and denim pockets. Yet some purists clung on to the old school flavour, the house of Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Behnaaz Sarafpur created the attire from only lace.
Designer Anjali Sharma finds the haute effect of lace interesting to handle. “Just the visual thought of lace fabric conjures up a breezy, gauzy framework, apt for the sweltering seasons in India. Lace is widely used in lingerie and it is a classic favourite in bridal wear. However, last couple of seasons, the fabric seems to have come out on its own and is gaining popularity. The runways are rampant in lace dresses and the fabric is being seen more casually in details, accents and emphasis placements. Closer home saris, cholis and sometimes even added accents in Indian traditional wear (say a churidar) works beautifully. The fabric is being utilised to its fullest, as emphasis details, as exclusive trim and as a whole standalone entity. I would however put all my bets on a subtle shimmer super sensuous gold lace ensemble. With or without the added glitter of handwork,” she points out.
Labelling lace a “summer favourite,” designer Shantanu Singh says, “This season I would like to use lace with tie-dye effect or wax-cracking dye effect as a sari border with some gotta-patti or brocade lace. Lace stands out as detailing panels or hidden trims in a jacket which can be used on the reverse or give some finishing touches. Using lace as a patch and cutwork on a dress and specifically as 3D flowers are the big trends of the season.”
While sharing a few details, he makes his preference clear, “I prefer using crochet lace and floral nylon net lace in fine qualities. Since bright colours have got the ‘happening’ tag, neon hues suit the mood perfectly.”
The Delhi-based designer attaches a lot of versatility to lace and speaking in this perspective he elaborates, “Lace can also be used as an accessory material like tie-ups on waist or belt, just to enhance its look. Some funky embroidery or stone work can be done on one side or small fringes can be done by using different types of lace on the belt or maybe like a brooch. For an eye-catching appearance, liberal use of lace on summer jackets is recommended,” he adds.
Designer Agnimitra Paul is also adhering to the minimum visibility and maximum impact motto, vis-a-vis lace. She says, “We do love a classic all lace dress, but it’s time to move on and play it on a different note. One style that really stands out is to strategically place it as applique work creating an optical illusion dress. Displaying delicate lace on the hemline of pencil skirts, both in printed and monochromes, is finding a lot of takers and you won’t go wrong by placing it at the back of a slim-fitted dress.”