The Style Files: Broderie Anglaise, the Practical Lace 

Lace was a massive catwalk trend for the summer, with a focus on white lace. Chloé and Erdem showed floaty ethereal dresses, sexy minis at Louis Vuitton. Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa did smart separates and perfect little summer frocks. It looked incredibly beautiful floating down the catwalk. But for mere mortals wearing white lace can be tricky. White is a colour that is only truly loved by people who don’t have pets, or children! People who never spill, have a dry cleaner on speed dial and are well let's face it perfect!

Amal Clooney

Lace, which I love, certainly has its place, but it’s not for every wardrobe. Thankfully the 1970s trend, which shows no sign of abating, has welcomed back broderie anglaise. A French term for “English embroidery.” Interestingly enough, the method most likely originated in Czechoslovakia during the sixteenth century. Broderie is the sensible shoes of lace. It’s practical. It’s for people with jobs. You get the hint of skin and also the knowing nod to the 70s trend.

Karlie Kloss modelling Isabel Marant

Designers sent it down catwalks in a multitude of colours. There was a lovely burgundy at Isabel Marant, and Valentino sent out broderie in pretty much every colour you can think of.

KUR

Sri Lankan designer (Kasuni Rathnasuriya) KUR incorporates it in her truly fabulous collection  mixed with handcrafted Beeralu lace that casts a pretty spell for summer, available exclusively at PR on Horton Place, Colombo’s quintessential boutique store for high-end design.
As usual, if you’re not quite feeling a trend then go small on it. For broderie maybe a bag featuring a punched eyelet pattern or a belt.
It’s not often that a fabric comes along that’s practical, comfortable, beautiful and interesting. When design houses like Valentino champion and embrace it, really, what’s not to like?

By Minoli Ratnayake