Fashion
THE ART OF LACE INTERNATIONAL FASHION EXHIBITION
From Chanel to Dior to Valentino, lace has been a source of inspiration for countless prestigious fashion houses. TheTextielMuseum in Tilburg is proud to present the international exhibition ‘The Art of Lace | Haute Couture from Chanel to Iris van Herpen’, featuring creations by the world’s most renowned names in fashion. Opening on 16 November, the exhibition portraysthe innovative power of French Leavers lace and was previously on show in Calais. The visitor is given a behind-the-scenes look at lacemakers and couturiers: from the design and manufacture to the finished product, ready for the catwalk.
The show includes almost 50 one-of-a-kind items by fashion greats Alberta Ferretti, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Iris van Herpen, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Schiaparelli, Valentino and Yiqing Yin.
Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018 collection | Photography: Java/Ludwig Bonnet
Leavers: innovation in lace
Woven on a loom, Leavers lace can accommodate the experimental designs of couturiers while also challenging them to the utmost in creating their collections. The fabric looks delicate but is actually quite strong: unlike knitted lace, it does not fray. It can be transparent or opaque, can incorporate varying patterns, materials and colours, and can be woven in 3D. For Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld laminated the lace, allowing the stiffness of the material to accentuate the patterns, while Iris van Herpen is inspired by lace in 3D printing that mimics the effect of this ornate fabric.
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 | Photography: Robin
Behind the scenes of haute couture
The ‘The Art of Lace’ exhibition offers an intimate insight into haute couture and illustrates the close dialogue between the Leavers lacemakers and the fashion designers. While fashion houses usually keep their suppliers and techniques secret, this exhibition reveals the complete process behind each haute couture piece, with video’s and samples to admire and even touch. The process of lacemaking and couture is one of continuous development and innovation. ‘The Art of Lace’ is atribute not only to the vision of the fashion designer, but also the creativity and skill of the lacemaker, showcasing the journey from thread to fashion show in a unique way.
In addition to the exhibition, the museum is organising various workshops and masterclasses on the subject of lace and fashion.
Chanel | Photography: Fred Collier, Ville de Calais (Haute Dentelle)
Louis Vuitton Cruise collection 2018 | Photography: Fred Collier, Ville de Calais (Haute Dentelle)
