Adding some flair with passementerie

Image: courtesy of Linwood

Passementerie is the name for decorative trimmings, including fringes, tassels, braids and cords, with some incorporating such items as baubles, beads and “bright sparking things”, now returning to favour in interior design.

In the 16^th century, France instituted the Guild of Passementiers, and a seven year apprenticeship was required to learn to create its ornate tassels, rosettes, pompoms and other adornments mostly used to trim the clothing of the elite.

Today, passementerie still evokes a luxurious look for chairs, curtains, table runners, cushions and various other uses in the home. People are returning to their use to add detail and texture, but because Australian interior design is more low key, they are not used as heavily as in Europe.

Because many trims are very ornate, the cost can be quite expensive, with some of the more detailed versions coming in at over $100/m. Their return to more popular use signifies a desire for elegance in the home once again, as with what is being seen in fashion.

Passementerie can really be used on anything to add individuality, and there are so many to choose from that two people will rarely choose the same. Their origins are also varied – the majority of the embroidery is done in India but sold through agents in France, the United States and all over the world.

You don’t need to be restricted to using passementerie on heavy damask and velvet fabrics – they can look equally as good on linen, but also lend themselves fabulously to fabrics such as silk and satin, or to be used on lamp shades as trims.

Let us show you some of the beautiful passementerie samples we have in the Beadles show room from felted ribbons, velvets, cotton viscose braids, glass and crystal beads, metallic fibres, pearls, buttons and baubles – we know you’ll love them too!

Cheers,

Beadles