MANILA, Philippines?Peeking out from the runways this season is an old favorite: lace. It?s back in a big way, not just on the fringes of lingerie or wedding veils. With lace, shirtdresses, skirts, leggings and even corsets acquire a touch of Old World romance ?with a hint of mischief.

The nostalgia evoked by lace is traced to its unique history? Europe in the 1500s. Lace made use of linen, silk, gold or silver threads, which were then looped to or braided with other threads from a backing fabric.

Today, lace is usually made with cotton thread, sometimes with fine copper or silver wire, for the more expert lacemakers. European countries such as Spain, Ireland, Russia and Malta have their own unique lacework heritage.

Because lace is associated with intimate apparel and burlesque, it conjures sex appeal. That delicate balance of naughty and nice is the theme of Roberto Cavalli and Thakoon?s respective resort collections for 2009.

Thakoon?s standout offerings were sheer black knit dresses, worn over floral bustier and briefs and piped with inset black lace. Cavalli drew raves for his revival of the black lace-inset cotton in black.

Designer Riccardo Tisci, inspired by a recent trip to Latin America, merged Catholic chic with cowboy for Givenchy 2009, resulting in interesting creations such as plissé frills falling into asymmetric jabots, a crisp linen jacquard lace, shirtdresses, and scarves knotted at the neck in gaucho fashion.

Here are some looks from the global lace renaissance. Experiment with the naughty-but-nice formula by incorporating lace in your wardrobe in less traditional ways. Try wearing a lacy shirtdress with your favorite vintage jeans, or a lacy pair of leggings with cut-offs.

Or cover up with a lacy shawl; it?s no longer just for lola. Last, a tight-fitting bustier corsage over denim is an extremely chic and sexy look.

E-mail the author at jfashion@gmail.com