OBJECTS Art Nouveau Fashion Promenade lace dress, 1900–1907 G. E. Spitzer k.u.k. Hoflieferant, Wien Crochet “Irish lace”, silk, satin ribbon; length 158 cm The popular Irish crochet lace technique, characterised by realistic or stylized flower motifs crocheted on a thin mesh background, reflected both the popularity of naturalist design with its extensive use of flower and plant motifs, and the vogue for light, airy materials that generally included lace. Irish lace was a cheaper alternative to the more luxurious types: needle and bobbin laces. Vienna became the centre of Irish lace production in Central Europe, but this lace was also widely made in Bohemia, where handiwork evening classes added to its popularity. Such Irish lace-making courses were organised by the museum in Chrudim and the Zádruha arts-and-crafts association in Prague. In 1907, the latter announced a competition for Irish-lace products.