© Timothé Lovergne Signature F: Calais lace reinvented for everyday life
To mark the 210th anniversary of Calais lace, we met Françoise Wheatley, founder of the Signature F brand, a company that reinterprets this iconic craft through modern, elegant creations designed for everyday wear. Drawing on her family heritage, her passion for design, and her desire to make lace more accessible, she shared her journey and her vision of this timeless material.
How did the Signature F brand come about?
The brand's creation was quite natural, driven primarily by a desire to create. I also have a very strong family history with lace: both my parents were lace makers in Calais. So, I spent my entire childhood and adolescence immersed in this world, surrounded by the trades associated with embroidery and lace making.
It's a material I know well and find very beautiful. I wanted to showcase it through Signature F, by creating outerwear. For the past ten years, I've also had the pleasure of working with my two daughters on this adventure.
©TimotheLovergne 
What was your intention in creating Signature F?
The idea was to take Calais lace out of its traditional use, often associated with evening wear, weddings or events.
I wanted to allow women to incorporate lace into their daily lives, through everyday clothing.
210 years old and still fashionable
It remains very relevant, particularly because it is still found in the creations of major fashion designers. It's a pleasant, soft, and supple material. It's also a material that reveals personality and continues to captivate, even after 210 years of history!
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What inspires and appeals to you about Calais lace?
What I find most appealing about Calais lace is that it's a material that's both lightweight and comfortable to wear, yet also strong. Contrary to popular belief, despite its 'small holes', it's a durable material that's easy to transport and doesn't wrinkle.
It is also a true local heritage that it is important to continue to value, not only in exceptional outfits, but also in everyday clothing.
How would you define Calais lace in a few words?
I would say: femininity, personality, and active women.
Wearing lace reveals a personality. It's a way to express something about yourself, while remaining within the dynamics of everyday life.
How do you incorporate lace into your designs?
We work with Calais lace in a wide variety of products. These can range from pocket squares to wear on a jacket, to scarves and accessories, to clothing such as tops, dresses, trousers or jackets.
We also develop decorative items such as cushions, and even more original pieces like shoes.
For example, we created jellyfish made of Calais lace, designed to be worn by the sea.
The goal remains the same: to make lace accessible and easy to wear every day.