The use of lace has outgrown the traditional view of these sophisticated works of art in recent decades. Young designers and artists are using new patterns and materials to convey new visions of Idrija lace. Idrija lace is no longer intended only for decorating solemn liturgical vestments or home textiles; its use has gone beyond these traditional frames.
Idrija lace has thus become a fashion accessory in the form of luxury jewellery, it can be engraved in glass and ceramic dishes, as prints on clothes, as body paintings, as confectionery decoration or as a souvenir – sugar lace caught in honey.
Tortica Rezi (Rezi Cake) won the Festival Dessert competition. The organiser of the event, the Idrija Heritage Centre, was looking for a dessert made from local ingredients and related to Idrija and/or lace. For those of you who have a sweet tooth: Rezi cake, with its charming sugar lace on top, is available at the Škafar inn in the heart of Idrija.
Honey with sugar lace is the result of a project by the Idrijsko-Cerkljansko Development Agency or ICRA d.o.o., which has created a top culinary souvenir that combines lacemaking skills and local beekeeping. In 2021, honey with sugar lace was chosen as the second-best culinary souvenir of the Central Slovenian region.
The Cup with Heart was developed by the Idrija Tourist Board together with Bahor Pottery and the Idrija Lace School. Each cup is unique. A precisely made heart-shaped seal of Idrija lace is imprinted in the handle. The pattern for the used lace was drawn by Maja Svetlik from the Idrija Lace School, and made by lacemaker Milena Kalan. The owner of the pattern and lace is the Idrija Tourist Board.
Slocks socks with the transformation of the Idrija lace pattern are made in Slovenia. They are made of first-class cotton, and have an eco certificate. The socks show a transformation of the Idrija lace pattern, which symbolises the youthful approach of its use, and a description in Slovene and English of what Idrija lace is and its significance in the world.