Lappet c. 1750

Editor: Here we have a Lappet, circa 1750, its maker listed as anonymous. It's delicate, obviously a textile...it reminds me of something you'd see in a Jane Austen adaptation. Looking at the craftsmanship, I'm curious about its original social context. How was something like this used and who had access to it? Curator: Well, lappets like this one were quintessential elements of elite fashion during the mid-18th century. As trimming, or extensions to caps, they signalled wealth and status. The intricacy of the needle lace indicated a considerable investment of labor and material. Editor: So, it's less about the beauty of the design itself and more about the social role it played? Curator: Not entirely. The flowing floral design speaks to Baroque aesthetics, a deliberate embrace of luxury and ostentation that became synonymous with power. Though, we must consider its relationship to socio-political circumstances, the class structures it reinforced, and what accessibility truly meant. Can we truly divorce fashion from power, especially something this decorative? Editor: That's a really interesting point. It reframes how I think about textiles - from personal expression to statements within social systems. Curator: Exactly. The "Anonymous" credit is a great starting point, as it also highlights how labor of this quality was considered unremarkable when it came to working women. Editor: I hadn’t considered that. Thank you, this has totally changed how I will view the piece and its importance! Curator: A fascinating relic, to be sure, one with layers to peel back, reminding us how much history is woven into everyday objects.