Why Costly Laces Are a Good Investment.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 21, 23 November 1907, Page 49

Why Costly Laces Are a Good Investment.

When hearing or reading of a society lady spending an allowance of two thousand pounds in twelve months on dress and its various accessories, the uninitiated are apt to wonder how an outlet can be found for such expenditure. To an indifferent mind the idea suggests a new dress for every other day in the year, and, with a shrug of the shoulders for such wilful extravagance, there the matter ends. But anyone happening to be the scenes, in the channels through which a social leader’s money circulates, has often cause to be amazed that even these amounts can cover all the expenses that are the penalty of high position. In a small way we are aware that the accumulation of etceteras drains our resources quite as much, in comparison, as the important purchases which are made as an outcome of thought and care. So, on totalling up a social butterfly's bills, we discover that a remarkable portion of her pin money has been swallowed up in paying for odds and ends in general, which include one item in particular—apt to be overlooked—that of keeping her lace in order. To appear well dressed in public is one thing; to be looked upon as an ornament of distinction and good taste is another. In order to cultivate the latter, opinion, nothing can lend a lady better aid than the introduction of beautiful lace to all her smart gowns. It is the one trimming which does not vulgarize, but always lifts her above the crowd. Recognizing this, many of the “upper ten” indulge in the luxury of purchasing old and valuable specimens of exquisite dentelle for decorating, not only their gowns, but also their coats and opera cloaks. The outlay in the first place is considerable. Modern lace of good quality is not procurable at a low figure, and when the preserved workmanship of bygone centuries prove irresistible, the trimming for one frock can easily reach £250. Admirers of the delicate fabric make a point of setting aside a certain sum every year for the purpose of increasing their collection. A financial magnate’s wife, celebrated for the magnificent pieces of “Point de Venise” which she has gathered round her, spends £3OO a year on adding to the contents of her lace-box. The amount of money required to keep it in good order when in constant use makes a big hole in a society woman’s bank account, particularly if she is sensible enough to trust the overhauling to the hands of a high-class firm. Immediately a dress, is cast aside, the maid has instructions to carefully remove the lace. Examination discloses signs of wear—not much, perhaps, bat sufficient to deteriorate both value and appearance. Away to the lace doctor’s it is dispatched to be thoroughly repaired and probably cleaned. Then, many ladies will not wear even a collar-band of lace if it has become slightly soiled, and during the reign of one gown, perhaps, the removable trimmings find their way to the cleaners two or three times. On the other hand, those knowing soiled real lace, to be permissible will take advantage of the fact, and absolutely ruin their possessions by wearing them beyond the possibility of restoration.