The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park is opening a new exhibit on March 13 that highlights the Cappalli family’s legacy of Puerto Rican lacework. The exhibit, titled “Three Generations Intertwined by Lace,” will run through Jan. 9 and features more than 50 garments crafted by three generations of the Cappalli family.
The exhibit is significant because it showcases the traditional Puerto Rican bobbin lace technique known as mundillo, which is made entirely by hand. This art form has seen a resurgence in Puerto Rico, despite being rare in an era dominated by fast fashion. Veronica Ocasio, director of education and programming at the museum, said, “It’s very rare right now, especially as a society of fast fashion, that you find beautiful garments, dresses and any item of clothing that’s done completely by hand — not even [with a] sewing machine.”
Ocasio explained that many people in the diaspora may have nostalgic memories of their grandmothers making lacework or seeing it on special dresses but noted that it was almost a lost art form now making a comeback. “So it’s very exciting for us to have this here and accessible, not only to the Puerto Rican community, but all those who love fashion and appreciate the hard work and what it takes to create something by hand,” she said.
Curated by Joseph Da’Ponte, president of the Puerto Rican Fashion History Council, the exhibit spans nearly a century with some garments over 80 years old and others created recently. Da’Ponte said he hopes visitors learn about fashion, culture, and Puerto Rico’s history through these pieces: “I aspire for the people learn about fashion, about culture, about the history of Puerto Rico through the lens of fashion.” He also described transporting delicate lace from Puerto Rico to Chicago as challenging but rewarding: “We bring our history of fashion to Chicago, so it’s a big experience. I’m thankful for that, and the people looking at our history.”
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture offers free admission at its location on West Division Street in Humboldt Park. The museum also hosts events such as workshops and artist talks to engage visitors with Puerto Rican art and culture. A docent-led tour for this exhibit is scheduled for March 28.
