Lace is a family of openwork fabrics characterized by patterns of holes between decorative motifs. Traditional lace was made by hand, twisting and knotting thread around pins — a process so labor-intensive that handmade lace was once worth more than gold. Modern lace is machine-made on Leavers or Raschel looms.
In lingerie, the subtypes most commonly seen are: - **Chantilly lace**: fine, botanical motifs on a sheer mesh ground - **Guipure / Venise lace**: heavy, sculptural, no mesh ground between motifs - **Eyelash lace**: lace with fringed edges resembling eyelashes - **Embroidered lace**: motifs stitched onto a mesh ground rather than woven in
For the classifier, all of these are labeled `lace`. The full lace subtype appears in the free-text description of the encyclopedia pages.
How to Identify
- Visible openwork pattern with holes between solid motifs
- Floral, botanical, or geometric motif repeats
- Can be opaque (heavy guipure) or sheer (chantilly)
- Edges often scalloped or with eyelash fringe
