Lace Makes Taste

Posted by Valerie, Senior Editor

It's always exciting to see people using materials you had largely written off in new, smart ways. That's what I love about Chicago designer Sarah Fox's line of lace-and-metal jewelry. Fox hunts out interesting lace patterns, cuts out individual motifs, then dyes and stiffens the fabric so that it can be repurposed into completely modern, but still accessible, necklaces and earrings.

On the "Why lace?" section of her website, Fox says: "Pattern and detail are consistent qualities in my work. Lace is an intricate material that embodies these qualities. It's also a very special fabric reserved for occasions like dressing the holiday table or wedding dresses. My grandmother used to devote an entire day to washing her lace curtains. My idea with this line is to toughen up the lace and make it ready for everyday wear. It is still delicate, just a little stronger. Wear it with something fancy for going out or with a T-shirt and jeans at the market."

I also love how she uses colors that you don't usually see in lace, like this bright spring green:

Even better, the pieces are really affordable. (The earrings shown here are $28, the necklace is $34, and they each come in five colors of lace.) Go to cursivedesign.com to see for yourself.

Comments

[Minuit Citrouille]

How cute! it's such a good idea!

[Lily]

Huh, poster below? Not seeing what to wear them with? Are your pictures not loading? Everything's totally cute with a tank top (pictured), and perfect for a daytime summer wedding. You can go buy something more substantial (read: lame and/or uninspired) and leave the pretty, dainty pieces for me.

[Teresa]

Sorry....I have to disagree here. The items look too crafty and too cheap. Not seeing what to wear them with? Dressed up? Totally casual? With knits or lace?

This blog is usually so inspiring but I have to say not this jewelry.

[Kate]

I love the way she uses colour too...it makes the pieces more modern but still pretty

[Delaney Gates]

Ooh, I've admired her stuff for quite some time! Such a talented woman!