Musee Mode & Dentelle (Fashion & Lace Museum), Brussels

For three centuries, Brussels thrived as a hub for lace-making, but the craft saw its last practitioners close shop in the 1930s. Nowadays, much of the lace available for purchase in the city is sourced from the Far East. During its zenith in the late 19th century, Brussels boasted a staggering ten thousand lace-makers, all of them women, renowned throughout Europe for their intricate lace designs.

However, this museum's focus extends beyond lace, encompassing costume and fashion history. It regularly hosts well-curated exhibitions featuring items from its permanent collection, highlighting the evolution of fashion from the past to the present day. While the emphasis lies on these temporary exhibitions, visitors are likely to encounter 17th-century portraits showcasing the opulent attire of the wealthy and influential figures of the time. A particularly striking portrait is that of the Spanish queen Marguerite of Austria, though her ornate iron-threaded ruff must have been a source of discomfort. Another portrait features an unidentified Dutch woman sporting the boat-shaped neckline that became fashionable in the 1660s.

Upstairs, visitors can explore large plan chests containing numerous pieces of antique lace. These exhibits illustrate the influence of Italian lace on Brussels' lace-makers, the extravagantly ornate fashion trends inspired by Louis XIV's desire to occupy and financially burden his nobles, and the lighter, simpler Regency style that dominated the 18th century. Also included in the collection are lace pieces dating from the 1840s onwards, when large and intricate items–primarily for shawls, crinoline gowns, overskirts, and bridal attire–gained popularity in various styles.