Romantic and graceful lace is timeless. It is the quintessential wedding dress fabric. Designers have taken this centuries old fabric and given it a modern yet classic update. There are several different kinds of lace, but Chantilly, Guipure and Alencon are the most popular.
Named for the town of Chantilly in France, Chantilly lace became popular in the US in the 1950’s. American brides could not get enough of this light and festive lace. It is characterized by delicate floral or scroll designs worked into a mesh background. Chantilly lace is still popular today with designers and brides. The Ines Di Santo gown below is a gorgeous modern take on the use of Chantilly lace. The lace overlays a silk satin fabric and is simply exquisite!
The French corded Chantilly lace is so luxurious on the Atelier Aimee bridal gown below. The back features a corset which makes this dress sexy and romantic!
Guipure is another lace favored by designers. This lace is a large patterned, decorative lace that does not have a net background. The most dramatic of the laces it makes a bold, romantic statement. The Carolina Herrera wedding dress and overskirt below is breathtaking. Wear the overskirt for the ceremony and remove it for the reception and you have two amazing distinctive looks for your wedding day!
The last of the “Big 3” wedding laces is Alencon. It is known as the queen of laces and a lace for the queens. True Alencon lace takes 25 hours to produce a square inch! Two of our favorite gowns that feature Alencon lace are by Amsale and Monique Lhuillier. The Amsale Blue Label Brighton couture gown shown below is strapless and has an Alencon lace bodice with a full, beaded tulle skirt.
The entire Monique Lhuillier Bernadette couture gown below is made with Alencon lace. It is a classic floor length gown with a sweep train and a V- back.
