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How to look hot in the coolest fabric this season: Lace

How to look hot in the coolest fabric this season: Lace

From the Duchess of Cambridge to Hollywood's Emma Watson, lace is fast emerging as the fashion fave among the celeb brigade. Whether worn as part of a head-to-toe ensemble, or as separates, lace apparel is making heads turn all over the world.


The Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, turned up at the
UK premiere of the Steven Spielberg-directed film War Horse,
earlier this year, in a floor-length Temperley London gown
made of black lace over nude underlay fabric. The black velvet band
and matching clutch added elegance to the look. Pic/Getty.

"Lace is about beauty and femininity and will remain a classic," says fashion designer Anita Dongre, who often uses the fabric in her collections. "Lace works well in the spring and summer seasons, as it allows skin to breathe and works well with neutral colours."

Designer Jatin Varma endorses the belief, when he says, "Because of its translucent nature, lace provides a design element without getting into embroidery or heavy work. Even though lace is ideally done in silk, it also comes in linen, which is ideal for summer." Verma adds that it is the perfect fabric to highlight the effect of light during the day and shadow for the night.


Emma Watson's red lace and satin dress that she sported at
British Academy Film Awards party in February was given
a thumps up by fashion critics. Pic/Getty.

There are several varieties of lace, both handmade and machine-made, available around the world. Some of these include Needle lace, Cutwork lace, Crocheted lace and Bobbin lace.

Desi girls

Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have been recently spotted in garments, showcasing the elegant fabric.


Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor in a calf-length, cut-out back
dress by Anita Dongre at the launch party of the Mumbai Anthem
by Mid-Day. The dress has lace sleeves over a full black skirt.
Sonam adds colour to the look with yellow Christian Louboutin peeptoes.
Pic/Satyajit Desai.

Lace is available in myriad colours, with the most preferred being gold, white, pale pink, nude and black. The advantage of this breezy fabric is that it can be used to make an eclectic mix of Indian, as well as western wear.

"Lace is not restrictive. You can use it in dresses, shorts, on blazers, scarves, and even on sarees," informs designer Pria Kataria Puri. Adds Dongre, "It looks beautiful when used as an accent for sleeves, or worn on the back, especially when worn over a bare skin."

Love lace? Here's how to take care of it:

1. Always have lace garments dry-cleaned.
2. Do not hang lace out to dry.
3. Wrap lace in a muslin cloth or butter sheets to avoid cracks forming in the fabric, while folding.
4. Ensure that your accessories and footwear don't get tangled in the fabric.
5. Lace must be ironed with care. Ensure that the iron isn't too hot.