Truly Sopel’s Love Lace Collection is a heartfelt homage to a lifelong romance with lace — one that began in 1994, when Truly, then a curious teenager, befriended 84-year-old Marianne, a local lace maker.
Each week, Truly would join Marianne and a small circle of retired women in their evening lace-making sessions, learning the intricate art of traditional bobbin lace.
“I was welcomed warmly by the ladies,” recalls Truly. “They were happy to share their skills, stories, and the slow, patient rhythm of lace-making. It took six weeks to create just a few centimetres — but it was magic to watch the lace grow, thread by thread.”
Though those early handmade samples are now lost, the experience left a lasting impression. Today, the laces featured in the Love Lace Collection reflect that same delicate beauty. Sourced in London, they’re sheer and soft with scalloped edges and openwork patterns, carefully selected for their stretch and comfort. Occasionally, vintage lace from existing garments is repurposed into new pieces — giving old treasures a second life.
‘’Whenever I work with lace, I think about the women who came before me,” says Truly. “The hours they spent handcrafting, trimming dresses, decorating interiors, and keeping tradition alive. That legacy inspires everything I make.”
You’ll find lace throughout the Truly Sopel collection — trimming knickers, edging necklines, and adorning her best-selling Vava Tops and Ziggy Camisoles, which are designed to be worn your way. Layer under jumpers, style with dresses for a modest yet textural twist, or enjoy them simply in the boudoir for a soft, sensual touch.
If you’ve ever stepped inside the Truly Sopel boutique in Frome, you’ve likely noticed lace used in creative, unexpected ways — from the organza lampshades to frilly pillows and even tied in Truly’s hair.
“Just like a bow, lace makes everything better,” she says with a smile. “It will always have a place in my collection — and in my heart.”
Browse Love Lace online or visit Truly’s shop in Frome Somerset
