Deep Dive: Battenberg lace, broderie anglais, and eyelet
All the white cutwork for a crisp yet fanciful little summer
Hi and happy Wednesday!
As I mentioned last week when I posted this slip dress, I’ve been collecting broderie anglaise pieces for a photoshoot I’m styling this summer. I really appreciate the marriage of the romance inherent in such ornate and decorative flourishes with the modernity in which I’ve seen it worn and styled. I also appreciate how they’re hot (style-wise) but cool (temp-wise) - a very necessary combo in the heat of summer. And who knows, maybe I was just inspired by watching Picnic at Hanging Rock recently that sent me into a tailspin of wanting to wear bright white.
And I’m not the only one who loves this style of summer gear. I’ve long-admired the iterations that brands like Bode, Isabel Marant, Doên, and Ulla Johnson have been designing. But of course, the most well-made and affordable version will forever remain vintage. Some inspo for how I’d wear it:
There are also plenty of indie brands that do their own spin on this style, like my personal favorite, Aida Studio, who uses vintage fabric for their pieces and creates absolute magic with them.
In the below collage, there’s broderie anglaise, battenberg lace, eyelet fabric, and then some classic lace - all of these are embroidery, lace, and cutwork styles that originate as far back as the 16th century. The pieces we see and find more readily in the vintage world are Edwardian clothing and then thanks to its resurgence in late 50s/early 60s, we can find it in minidresses and crop tops!
I have two favorite brands I search for when looking for cutwork pieces: Lim’s and Nancy Johnson. Lim’s dates as far back as the 50s with their cutwork silk blouses (I’ve had one in the shop and there’s one below!), but I gravitate more toward their later cotton and crochet pieces that can withstand the sweatbox I become during the summer months (I swell and wilt in equal measure in the summer - I’m not good at being hot). That brand is a rich gravy! Nancy Johnson is very much an 80s and 90s silhouette gal, but you can find some really modern looks and gorgeous detailing in her dresses!
Regardless, there are 28 gorgeous white cutwork pieces waiting to match your bright, hot summer!
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