In recent decades, the use of lace has outgrown the traditional view of these sophisticated works of art, as new visions of Idrija lace are emerging with the use of new patterns and materials. This is no longer used just for decorating formal clothes or home textiles – Idrija lace has become a fashion accessory in the form of luxury jewellery. It can also be seen engraved in glass and ceramics, as prints on clothes or as body paintings, or even as a culinary accessory.
Long-term cooperation between the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering and Idrija lacemakers has led to exceptional works of art that not only preserve the traditional aspects of Idrija lace, but also prove with its originality and freshness that lace has great potential for design and various modifications into new, more modern forms
Various innovations in the development of Idrija lace can be seen every year at the traditional Idrija Lace Festival. On one hand, the festival wants to follow the tradition embodied by Idrija lace, and on the other hand becomes a modern event with its approaches in communication and content. The latter builds on qualities integrated in the lace itself: precision, skill and ingenuity: The common thread in recent years is innovation and creativity.
This new creative direction of the development of Idrija lace began to be realised in cooperation with the Department of Textile and Clothing Design of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering (NTF) of the University of Ljubljana. In addition to the NTF and the Municipality of Idrija, the Idrija Lacemakers’ Association and the Idrija Lace School are also participating in the projects as coordinators.
Long-term cooperation between NTF and Idrija lacemakers has led to exceptional design creations that not only preserve the traditional aspects of Idrija lace, but with their originality and freshness prove that it has great potential for design and various modifications into new, more modern forms. In recent years, the creations and products of NTF students have been regularly present at the Idrija Lace Festival – either displayed in exhibitions and fashion shows or published in various publications. Idrija lace also appears as the main theme in many diploma and master’s theses.
