Romantic lace

Lace has always been associated with fashion all the way back to its discovery in the 5th century where Charles V decreed that lace should be taught in schools and convents of the Belgian Empire. Lace became a replacement for embroidery because of its ability to transform clothes to follow different styles of fashion.

Unlike embroidery, lace can be unsown from one material and resewn on another.

This decade crowns lace as the ultimate fabric that radiates glamour, drama and sex appeal.

Fall/Winter 2010 is mesmerising the world with its use of lace coming to life in different styles and designs. The fabric has been depicted as ruffled dresses, floor sweeping numbers, and even long lace strappy kameezes.

Both formal and casual outfits are embracing the gothic drama, taking women into a whole new realm of sensuality and femininity.

This fabric can easily, if well paired, transcend from day to night. Pairing a nude lace shift dress with a shawl can deliver the perfect day chic, whilst pairing a black lace maxi with a over sized clutch is the perfect look that says “she’s contemporary and mysterious: dangerous, yet fragile,” as Valentino’s current collection is depicting. Lace has the power to surpass any age and can be worn with ones’ personal taste.

So set yourself free of doubtful constraints and fall freely into this high drama, sophisticated trend for the ultimate avante-garde look.

Iman’s Do’s:

-Do invest in a classic piece with fine lace detailing

- Pair lace with a bouncing freshly blow-dried mane.

- Wear it like Bridget Bardot, with a thick eye liner and red lips

- Wear wide-legged trousers with lace blouses.

- Do pull out your chantilly lace saris and add a bit of drama with a heavily embellished blouse.

Iman’s Don’ts:

-Don’t wear lace in bright colours except red.

-Don’t expose your bra, find a decent camisole for underneath

- Don’t over accessorise, let the sexuality of the lace be your statement

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2010.