The northern city of Calais is considered one of the world's lace capitals. It is therefore quite natural that the City of Lace and Fashion, ranked among the most beautiful fashion museums in the world by Vogue magazine, is located here.
The northern city of Calais is considered one of the world's lace capitals. It is therefore quite natural that the City of Lace and Fashion, ranked among the most beautiful fashion museums in the world by Vogue magazine, is located here.
Lace was imported in the 19th century by English workers from the Nottingham area, a major centre for mechanical tulle production. Very popular in France, the fabric cannot be marketed because of an English blockade. The workers were unemployed and revolted. Some decided to emigrate to France, particularly to northern towns that have a strong textile tradition.
Attracted by the geographical proximity of Calais to England, the English decided to set up factories there. In less than a century, they transformed the city into the capital of Leavers mechanical lace (name of one of the inventors of the tulle weaving machine).
Discover the secrets of this high-end textile by visiting the City of Lace!
Dedicated to fabric and its production methods, the museum is located in a former lace factory founded in 1870 and presents pieces ranging from lingerie to haute couture (white or black dress, wedding attire...).
During the visit, you can witness the start-up of the lace looms. In its exhibition gallery, the city of lace also features great couturiers and young designers.
Indeed, the ancestral know-how of this production can be found in prestigious companies such as Christian Dior, Valentino, Chanel and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
The museum celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. On this occasion, it hosts an exhibition by contemporary designer Olivier Theyskens, who worked as artistic director for Rochas and Nina Ricci. Like the couturier Alexander McQueen, Olivier Theyskens has managed to modernize lace by presenting it in an unconventional way. His creations reflect his world, both rock and refined.
The City of Lace of Calais offers all kinds of activities throughout the year such as textile workshops, cultural activities and guided tours.
To visit this shrine of the history of fashion, go there.
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Jessica from Comme des Français
