The History and Art of Passementerie

 


When we think of tassels, we often go back in the recesses of our memories where we conjure nostalgic images of our grandmother’s handmade curtains, pillows, lamp shades and table runners trimmed in vintage tassels and kept with care. Maybe we may only go back far enough to recall fashionably tassel trimmed bags, loafers, garments and jeweled adornment as its trending cycle ushered in popularity once again. But where did the idea of designing and crafting tassels begin? More specifically, what is the art of passementerie?

 

It’s Tassel Mania Time!

 

Before the Industrial Revolution (18th Century), trim was called passementerie. It was made and applied by hand, thus making heavily trimmed furnishings and garments expensive and high status. Eventually machine-woven trims and sewing machines put these specialized trimmings within reach of modest dressmakers and home seamstresses. The result, by the 1930’s, applied trim lost its value and became a signifier of mass-produced clothing.  Today, though most trimmings are commercially manufactured, the creative appeal that they offer have made trims, tassels and cording highly sought after for unique one-of-a-kind creations. A compliment to any fabric project  where that ‘something extra’ makes all the difference, modern day passementeries offer the perfect touch.