The towns of Binche, Mechlin and Valencienne were so close that it was inevitable that their styles wee similar. The competition was great also. It was said that if a piece of lace was started in Valencienne and finished in another town, that its value was no longer there and was not of the same quality as if it had been finished in Valencienne. The town of Valencienne also wanted exclusive claim of the lace and there was wide spread competition. That is where the name Vrai Valencienne comes from as opposed to faus Valencienne.
Many records show that lace merchants sold lace a Valencienne when in reality it was made elsewhere.
No matter what town they were made in they all show a great amount of talent , time and patience that went into each piece. They also evolve at the same pace, the heavier grounds early in the century to the lighter and airier look that fashion dictated. Even though the nobility wore there lace to court, it was not unusual for the peasants to own this lace also. It may have not been of the same quality or high style of design, but none the less, they too had the luxury of owning this lace. If any of you have a chance to see any of these types of laces in person, do so.