Houlès. Samuel & Sons. Now I have new name to add to my list of favorite passementiers- Declercq. The Parisian firm, in business since 1852, makes stunning tassels and trim. To be quite frank, I prefer simple trims on my furniture and pillows, and my curtains tend to be panels that don't require elaborate tiebacks. But I still love elaborate passementerie; it's truly a work of art. In design, it's kind of like the cherry on top.
The great thing about these little jewels is that you don't have to use them for their original purpose. Who hasn't used a little tassel on a drawer key? Declercq shows one tassel below that can be used as a napkin ring- very clever. Or, you can simply tack one of their trims or tassels onto your inspiration board. I know I could get inspired by looking at one of these daily! What about you?
Rêve de soie used as a napkin ring.
Voyage au Tibet
Justine (a bit boudoir looking, no?)
Nautilus - a collaboration with Thomas Boog.
Manhattan -Though I don't live in New York, I'm tempted to get one of these for my home. But where to put it??
There is nothing old and fusty about this trim (part of the Il Palio collection)
Opium . Ravishing... enough said.
These are fantastic! Jen R
ReplyDeleteThe shapes and colors are amazing - Voyage au Tibet would top my list.
ReplyDeleteThese baubles, easily be worn as jewelry!
ReplyDeleteNautilus swirls as swingy earrings.
Opium a pendant on a silk cord.
Or decorate a Christmas tree with them!
Jen- Glad you like them too :)
ReplyDeletePatricia- That's a good one. I think Opium is my fave.
Anon- These are all fabulous ideas. I can see wearing Opium as a necklace. LOVE the idea of putting them on a Christmas tree too. That's a very inspired idea!
ReplyDeleteI was going to say Voyage au Tibet on a Christmas tree before I read the other comments! Anyway, love your idea to find alternate uses. They are likee jewels.
ReplyDeleteDo forgive my saying it Peak but these trimmings are quite repellent! Over designed and too cute for words.
ReplyDeleteIf this sounds cranky, it's due to the paucity of useful trimmings on the market today. There was a moment in time when Colefax produced some handsome trimmings in wool or linen blends, perfect to use as edgings to curtains or cushions because they were beautifully understated, adding a suggestion of luxury without excess. It was the antithesis of the Houles approach. So when it comes to novelty trimmings I suppose I have the reaction of Mr Baldwin to satin or damask...
That Manhattan tassel is just remarkable! Black tunic and pants, long tassel... perfect for a quiet supper party at home with friends.
ReplyDeleteToby- Don't say that these trims are going to make you sick!! What I admire about these elaborate trims, tassels, and tiebacks is the workmanship that goes into them. My look is more tailored and I prefer cottons and linens, so I don't think these trims would necessarily work on my upholstered furniture and curtains. But, I greatly admire the amount of time and the skill involved in making this type of passementerie. So much of these traditional industries are dying out, so I would like to try to help keep this type of craft alive. That's why I'm trying to think of other uses for these trims- especially for those who might not use them for their original purpose.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful works of art. I could see using Opium on a key lock on a contemporary commode.
ReplyDeleteI saw the Manhattan collection at the showroom of their distributor here last weekend and loved it. The braids and fringes are gorgeous. I must say I'm rather in love with the Opium and Voyage au Tibet tassels too!
ReplyDeleteLove! Where can these be purchased in the US?
ReplyDeleteAnon- I can't believe I forgot to mention that important piece of info in the post. You can purchase it through Clarence House!
ReplyDeleteI love the Manhattan one! What an interesting and clever take on the Chrysler building. Don't know if it would work in this particular case, but I've been known to hang a tassel from the turn switch on torchere lamps around my house. It's pretty striking on an otherwise simple floor lamp.
ReplyDeleteIn France , Declercq is the best one ! The rolls royce of the " passementerie"
ReplyDeleteThey have a collection called Manhattan which I love
I hate to sound like an advert-
ReplyDeletehttp://www.declercqpassementiers.fr/contacts.php?niv=3&dpt=ETATS%20UNIS%20-%20USA&maj=1#
Brunschwig et Fils
http://www.brunschwig.com/
Clarence House
http://www.clarencehouse.com/
SAMUEL AND SONS
http://samuelandsons.com/
Stark
Tél. : 001 212 752 9000
Fax : 001 212 715 0764
Travers
Tél. : 00 1 212 888 7900
Fax : 00 1 212 752 3837