In the 15th century, a new type of textile was born – hand-spun lace. This lace was made in a small town in Germany, called Plauen. The only recipients, at that time, were members of the clergy and nobility. They were the only ones who could afford it. However, the popularity of the lace increased rapidly, and hand-made lace eventually became a cottage industry in the town.
Of course, the hand-made variety eventually gave way to machine-driven production in 1857. Since lace can be embroidered without the use of a heavy clock backing, many entrepreneurs in the 1880s saw an opening for themselves and began producing the product in mass quantities using new textile machines.
The lace became so popular that the town’s population swelled to over 100,000 people. Plauen became the richest city in Germany. But, its success was not to last. World War I changed the fate of the tiny town – the depression of 1923 caused the lace industry to implode, and Plauen had the highest unemployment rate in Germany.
By 1933, the economy had started picking up, but by 1945, WWII saw the destruction of 80 percent of Plauen’s factories. The city also fell under Communist control. During that time, a small number of family-owned companies were allowed to operate on their own until 1973, when they were all nationalized by the government.
But, in 1990, Germany was reunited, and there was a return of private ownership. Not surprisingly, business picked up, and the families that had owned lace-manufacturing businesses were able to put their own efforts back into producing the best-possible product that the market demanded. But, the machines left by the Communists were old and not well-serviced. It required a lot of capital to get them back into good working order. Thankfully, credit was plentiful.
By 2000, production had resumed to “normal.†The economy had picked back up, and the industry came back to life. Today, there is considerable room for growth in the industry and today the Plauener Spitze and Embroidery Association owns the trademark Plauener Spitze, which stands for the strict standards, quality, and good design of Plauen lace. Only member companies that adhere to the Association’s strict standards are allowed to use the Plauener Spitze designation on their products.
But, that doesn’t mean that local production stays local. You can have it imported for things like Christmas tree ornaments, delicate clothing and other wearable fabrics, and even non-holiday decorative pieces.
For example, you can buy small table clothes with lace runners. Or, you can purchase clothing made with lace – usually nightwear. You can also buy Christmas gifts, like lace ornaments. Usually, these are fashioned into shapes like Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures, and bells.
While lace itself is expensive, not all ornaments are. Companies, like the Ornament Shop, are able to import lace for a variety of designs and ornaments, but they’re also able to buy items in bulk. That means you get the benefit of discounted prices on pieces.
Of course, you can always approach companies directly, but you’ll have to deal with customs and, of course, exchange rates, on your own. Still, if you want the best lace possible, Plauen is still the leader in the material.
Paula Harris has a deep passion for textiles. With a knack for research and a love for history, she often blogs about the stories of some of the most beautiful cloths and fashion throughout the centuries.
