The more money, the more lace. Brussels, Mechlin and Binche laces were very popular until the 1750's when they were eclipsed by Valenciennes lace and Blonde lace. Locally produced bobbin and needle laces were patronized by the middle and upper classes for non-court wear, and so the locality of a patron might predetermine the lace he used for informal occasions. Lappet of Valenciennes lace, mid century. Lace patterns of the early 18th Century tend toward the heavy simple patterns of the previous century.
Laces become lighter and visibly more complex in pattern as time wore on.
During the 1720's, patterns were separated by a translucent ground of increasing size. Laces continued to become lighter with more ground and less pattern. After the mid 1760's, lace patterns declined and quantity of simple lace became more desired than quality. Lace continued to get lighter, cheaper, and less fashionable for the rest of the century, going out of style for men by the 1790's and high fashion women by 1800. Late 18th Century lace was regaled to the underground of women's lingerie where it stayed, and transformed from a status symbol into an erotic accessory for women This Page is part of The Costumer's Manifesto by Tara Maginnis , Ph.D. Pictures included for viewing purposes only.