A lovely antique Victorian French black Chantilly lace shawl in wonderful condition. This rose laden beauty measures 110 inches long by 48 inches wide. This was made in the 1870s ~ 1880s large enough to go over the full bustle at the back of the dress and drape down the front. The lace has a silk sheen to it, affording an elegant drape to the shawl.
Chantilly lace originated as a handmade bobbin lace, originally created in Chantilly, France in the 17th century. The lace is known for its fine ground, outlined pattern, and abundant detail. The Victorians began producing machine made copies of this popular lace. After an eclipse early in the 20th century, Chantilly lace again became a favorite in the 1950s. It flaunted and covered up the female figure. In the 1950s, and often since then, that combination has driven men wild.
Today on the runways in Paris, lace—Chantilly lace in particular—is making a comeback. Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy told American Vogue that “lace is delicate and romantic, but at the same time it has to be strong." To that end, he riffed on the tune of soft/strong by working frothy Chantilly lace into modest, high-neck blouses.
