Newly Open: Sheelin Lace London

Stand F052/53 on the first floor has undergone a delightful makeover, Rosemary Cathcart and Lilee of Sheelin Lace London have created an ethereal display of beautiful antique lace. It really is a sight to behold.  It is the first time Sheelin Lace have opened in London.  Their original shop and museum in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland has become a destination for those looking for antique lace and in particular Irish lace.

We asked Rosemary a few questions...

What first interested you in lace?

I first got interested in lace about 30 years ago and have been collecting ever since, I am interested in all types of antique needlework but particularly lace, the skill involved in making lace has always fascinated me, and I consider it an amazing art form.

How did you start dealing in lace? 

I opened my shop in N Ireland 16 years ago and sold all types of antiques at first, but very soon I decided to specialise in lace and Costume and also developed the lace museum which has the largest collection of Irish lace in Ireland.

Is there a special piece in your shop that is a personal favourite?

We have many beautiful pieces for sale in the London shop but I particularly love the Irish lace wedding gown and the little pincushion ladies with the antique lace gowns.

There are many types of lace do you have a particular favourite?

My favourite laces are any of the Irish needlelaces as these take the most skill to make and are made with the finest thread, sometimes as fine as 400 gauge.

Do you see any current trends in the antique lace market?

Antique lace is always in fashion as the designers are always using it in their new collections, a few weeks ago I had Chanel designers in my shop looking for lace for their up and coming collection.

I think people will always love lace.

Sheelin Lace London

Stand: F052/53 at Alfies Antique Market

Phone: 078 9589 5247

Email: rosemarycathcart1@gmail.com

Sheelin Lace website

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week starts tomorrow! Forget Spring/Summer, we are now looking ahead to Autumn/Winter 2010 & 11, and what better place to start than in London. It's as almost as if we never escaped from Winter's frosty grasp as we get out the brollies to escape the rain!

Nylon-Lady from Empire Vintage

Looking forward to create future fashion quite often starts by looking back. Stylists and fashion and accessory designers are always visiting Alfies for inspiration to find the best design to develop into something show-stoppingly new. From Edwardian bustles to 1940s Hollywood Glamour there is nothing like taking a step back to reflect before creating something new.

If you are looking to design and make something truly unique, be it vintage inspired or something totally different, Alfies has a whole range of dealers and stock to help you.

A Selection of Antique & Vintage Textiles from June Victor

Visit the second floor for a whole range of beautiful fabrics, textiles, trimmings, and accessories. June Victor and Persiflage both have a huge range of stunning fabrics, antique lace, and buttons along with many beautiful trimmings such as cape fasteners and tassles.

Colourful Trimmings from June Victor



Art Deco Trim from Nigel Martin


1950s Buttons from Persiflage

Nigel Martin also on the second floor has been providing fabric and trimmings to costumers, tv and theatre for many years. Make sure to stop by and pick up beautiful one-off lengths of trim and decorative pieces to give your design an added edge.

If the task of making your well thought out design is a little too much then why not bring your ideas to Julie at Empire Vintage or Zoe Lloyd who both excel in making and customising stunning clothes and costumes.

Zoe Lloyd's Studio at Alfies

Whether you are a budding designer, looking to customise, start from scratch, modify or just get some inspiration Alfies is the perfect place to start!

P.S Look out for Alfies Antique Market in FILE, the official guide to London Fashion Week!