Tassels: a symbol of luxury

Tassel Trend 2011

Fashion week saw every catwalk host a variety of designers with a detail in common: Fraying. Each designer put their own spin on this season’s trend and some even made the most of it by creating frayed accessories. Mention tassels and it's likely to be those of the gold variety that spring to mind.

But that needn't be the case, nor should gold be thought of as the only option for the spring 2011 fashion trend. Tassels-as-belts abound, but they make the greatest impact when not finished in a gold hue. The tassel. What we may think of now as a humble little decoration turns out to be steeped in history and implication. Tassels originated thousands of years ago and throughout their history were used as symbols of status: once the 20th century rolled around and moderation became the new aesthetic, the days of ostentatious trimmings faded sadly away.

Once an art form, 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. Personal style often comes down to the details. From polishing off handbags to creating statement jewellery pieces, tassels have an interesting way of making accessories seem instantly sophisticated and embellished in an understated manner.

Now, in a time of global instability and flux, we return to luxury. But as we see it, they are 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.

In 2011, tassels are used a decorative gems, usually made of leather or silk. Lately we've seen them in leather, hanging on anything from bags to shoes to dresses to belts. Tassels have been elongated and made to stand out in 2011. Rope and tassels naturally come together in the fashion world, they tend to accompany each other on clothes, accessories, shoes.

This combination can have the luxurious look, or the nautical feeling depending on how it's used. The luxurious side would be used more on dresses. Many labels such as Gucci and Pucci have used rope and tassels together before.

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: for spring 2011 they're on everything from shoes to dresses to belts and hats.

Ropes and tassels are natural companions, so it follows that we’re seeing plenty of ropes being incorporated into both clothing and accessories.

                                                                    Here’s our tassel boots.

                                                    How do the celebrities wear tassels?