The tassel. What we may think of now as a humble little decoration turns out to be steeped in history and implication. Can you imagine spending days, weeks,
months creating a single tassel? Once an artform, the tassel and its connotation of luxury returns as the adornment du jour, a 2011 fashion trend that offshoots from the military and historical influences of seasons past.
If you think of
tassels only as a furniture trimming, think again. Tassels originated thousands of years ago and throughout their history were used as symbols of status: both military rank, and religious order. In 16th and 17th century France
passementerie, the art of tassel making, was a booming one, with ornate handmade tassels representing wealth and power: no palace interior was complete without silk tassels dripping from its rich brocade curtains and velvet cushions. But once the 20th century rolled around and moderation became the new aesthetic, the days of ostentatious trimmings faded sadly away.
Now, in a time of global instability and flux, we return to luxury. But as we see it, luxury as craftsmanship. It may be in the minimal yet beautifully crafted aesthetic that's prominent right now, or it may be in a little ornament, the tassel, that carries connotations of opulence - but that sits well and truly on the opposite side of glitzy. So when it comes to investing in pieces with tassel detailing, quality is key: a well-made tassel, be it silk or leather, carries that sense of luxury and authenticity.
The tassel in 2011
While it's been a constant to see the odd, small tassel on leather accessories like handbags and purses, we're now seeing them prominently - oversized, extra long, brightly coloured or made to stand out in some way. And it's no longer just handbags: they're on everything from shoes to dresses to belts and hats.
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