by Karie L. Frost

Lace Value

Trim a little girl’s Easter dress in lace and it becomes frilly. If a maid swathes it around her head, it morphs into matronly. When Madonna piles it on—with little else—it reads as seductively risqué. Head-to-toe white lace can skew religious, matrimonial or downright tacky, while black lace comes off as racy. What a spectrum of adjectives for such a painstakingly threaded fabric!
 
This fall, under the trendsetting hand of Miuccia Prada, lace takes on yet another persona: innovative. The new Prada gal slips into thick, openwork lace spun in such interesting hues as tangerine, powder blue and chocolate. She wears lace from top to bottom, but never lets it overpower her or seem too fussy. Hefty dahlia-like lace flowers spring forth among gently furling fronds. The look is chic, unique and entirely sophisticated—all words long overdue in describing lace.
 
Ready to needlework this trend onto nails? Follow Prada’s lead and use colors not often associated with the flirtatious fabric, such as blue lace set against a black background or tangy orange against cream. For the ultimate in intricacy, follow our lead and create computer-generated decals that duplicate the detailing of Prada’s perforated lace to a tee.

Fashion photos: Andreea Angelescu; Nail art: Janice Jordan; Nail art photos: Dawn W Klugman