Alençon lace or point 'Alençon is a needle lace originating from the town of Alençon, France. The style is sometimes called the "Queen of lace." Lace began being manufactured in originated in Alençon in the 16th century. The local industry was promoted by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, during the reign of Louis XIV, who established a Royal Lace Workshop there, to produce a product influence by the Venetian style. This soon emerged as a unique style, directly associated with the town.