Chesapeake Region Lace Guild

Incredible!

Callot Sœurs created this superlative evening dress in 1910. A full under-layer of silk satin supports the outer layer which has, to my count, anyhow, 8 different cotton laces used in its making. Bobbin lace, needle lace, embroidered netting lace, lace in the reticella style are all on view. I think one of these may be a crocheted lace, though I really can’t be certain. This multiplicity of laces is enhanced with two bands of metallic lace that have beadwork applied to Tham. They bracket the bodice at the shoulders.
The house of Callot Sœurs in Paris was in operation from 1895 to 1937 when it merged with the House of Calvet. It was the combined effort of the four Callot sisters, Maria, Marthe, Regina and Joséphine. The began by using laces to enhance lingerie and quickly expanded into a full dressmaking establishment. Their house was one of the leading ones in Paris during the 10s and 20s of the 20th century.
In 1897 Joséphine died suddenly and the family believes it to have been accidental, though there were unsubstantiated rumors of su***de. In 1920 Marthe died and her widowed sister Regina retired to care for her son. That left the eldest sister Marie to single-handedly run the business for the next 7 years. Maris herself passed in 1927 and her son Pierre took up the running of the House.

Collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

OIDFA lecture series are back. Please visit OIDFA.com for more details.

Le cycle de conférences de l’OIDFA est de retour. Veuillez consulter le site OIDFA.com pour plus de détails.

Across the 2027 Winter Lace Conference, you'll have the chance to study Milanese, Cantù, Bruges, Bedfordshire, Withof, Flanders, Needle Tatting, and Beginning Bobbin Lace. Browse the full class list and build your schedule at winterlaceconference.org.