BELGIAN LACE IS ANOTHER OF THE COUNTRY’S FAMOUS EXPORTS:
Shopping for lace in Belgium
Belgium is famous for its chocolates and beers, but one important Belgian export which is perhaps not too well-publicised is Belgian lace. Belgium’s lacemakers have been a vital contributor to the country’s economy since the 12th century and if you’re interested in lace, Brussels and Bruges are two of the best lace producing centres.
The Emperor’s Edict
Belgium’s lace trade began in the early Renaissance when Emperor Charles V decreed that lace-making should be a compulsory skill for all girls in convents and beguinages throughout Flanders. A fashion at that time was to have lace on collars and cuffs for both men’s and women’s garments and the lace trade reached its peak in the 18th century.
Lace, as well as tapestry were highly prized luxury crafts in the past. It was a status symbol of nobility to own intricate lace and fine tapestry
Belgian lace collar
and the good lace-makers usually had aristocratic patrons buying up their work. The lace fashion still comes around every now and then and I’m sure that ladies of a certain age will remember owning a blouse with lace collar at some stage.
Belgium’s World-Class Lace
Belgium is today home to the best lace and tapestry studios in the world and if you’re interested in lace, Brussels and Bruges are renowned for their delicate lacework. The larger and more intricate pieces of lace are not cheap, but it’s possible to buy small pieces as souvenirs or gifts. All around town in Brussels and Bruges you’ll come across shops selling lace and tapestry and in fact in most Belgian souvenir shops you can buy beautiful little pieces of lacework for a few Euros.
Belgian Lace souvenirs
Lace Museum
If you appreciate lacework, the Musée du Costum et de la Dentelle documents the history of this craft. The ground floor of the museum has lace costumes from the 18th – 20th centuries and on the second floor are a collection of antique lace.
Address:
Musee du Costume et de la Dentelle
Rue de la Violette 12
1000 Brussels
Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
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Helen, I will be in Brussels in a couple of weeks and would love to buy something in (almost) museum quality lace (possibly Point de Rose, made entirely by hand). I am particularly interested in a blouse, shawl, collar or the like (not items for the home like a tablecloth and napkins). Antique lace is of interest as is a superb example of handmade modern lace.
Can you direct me to a shop in Brussels that carries such merchandise?
Many thanks, Janine
Hi Janine,
You may wish to contact the people at Rococo Lace in Brugge (info@rococobrugge.be) and ask them if they have a shop in Brussels – I think they do.
You would also want to visit the Musee du Costume et de la Dentelle at Rue de la Violette 1, Brussels and you can also get their recommendations there.
Happy lace shopping,
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Sharon,
The picture above was taken at a souvenir shop in Wollestraat street in Bruges. There are plenty of souvenir shops selling the round lace souvenir that your’re interested in, but unfortunately I don’t know of any online shop that has them.
Kind regards,
Helen
Does anyone know where I can buy online the hanging round lace souvenir decorated with flowers? I bought two instead of three when in Belgium. The souvenirs are shown on this web page. Thanks.