PASSEMENTERIE

Passementerie: the name itself sounds like a lovely French delicacy and in a sense it is-the spectacular art of making elaborate trims or edgings which when applied to upholstery, pillows or drapes, elevates the simple to sublime couture.

My favorite passementerie shop is Samuel and Sons, conveniently located just doors from the D & D Building. Tall mahogany bookcases contain rows of beautiful ribbon, gimp, braids and fringes. I always stop by after a trip to the D & D with a bag of fabric memos in hand.  A decorator's treasure hunt-trying to find just the right trim for your fabric is great fun!

I was taken with the store's chic window display-a summer vignette of white wrought iron chairs and sky blue silk pillows trimmed with a necklace worthy combination of delicate shells and wooden beads.

Inspired by jewelry and fashion trends, exotic shells, dark wooden beads and glass tassels are beautiful and unexpected natural trim elements.

These gorgeous trims can transform a simple cotton pillow or pair of linen drapes into something truly extraordinary.

I'm using this exotic trim on a pair of cream cotton pillows-their unique shape will play nicely against the chocolate velvet sofa.

Fringe, gimp, tassels or braids-what's your favorite trim?