Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts... page 8 (recto) 1588

This is a page from "Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts," a pattern book created in the late 16th century by Federico de Vinciolo. This book of designs was intended for the creation of needle lace, known as "point coupé." Printed pattern books like this one played a crucial role in disseminating fashion and style across Europe. In the 1500s, Italy and France were style capitals and these designs, incorporating birds, foliage, and geometric borders, reflect the period’s taste for intricate, naturalistic ornament. The patterns catered to a growing market for luxury goods among the rising merchant class, who sought to emulate the styles of the aristocracy. The lace created from these patterns would have adorned clothing, household linens, and ecclesiastical vestments. Studying these patterns reveals insights into the social and economic dynamics of the time. We can examine the networks of production and consumption that drove the fashion industry. Through careful research using historical documents and surviving examples of lace, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of these seemingly simple designs.