If it’s true what they say, that it’s all in the details, then every decorator worth his or her snuff needs a good source (or a few) for passementerie. The encompassing French term for the ribbons, trims, and tassels that adorn fanciful decor, passementerie is the icing on the interiors cake. It takes standard-issue curtains, pillows, upholstery, and more, and adds a layer of eye-catching depth and whimsy. From French heritage houses to New York purveyors of all stripes (and satins, silks, and velvets), these companies are your go-to for all the trimmings.
Samuel & Sons
Founded in New York some 30 years ago, Samuel & Sons is, fittingly, the project of Sam Cohen and his three sons. Their five-story headquarters, conveniently located next to the D&D Building, offers a stunning array of trimmings, including product lines by the likes of Lori Weitzner, Roger Thomas, and Michael S. Smith, as well as outdoor-grade trim and specialty materials like glass, crystal, and leather. samuelandsons.com
East Coast Trimming
Get “trimspired” by the rows of ribbons, embellishments, and ropes of East Coast Trimming’s boutique in New York’s Garment District. Established in 2011, the shop offers trims new and old, with a specialty in vintage beading and brocades—the fabled Hyman Hendler ribbon company even picked them as their main purveyors. Martha Stewart and Carolina Herrera are clients. eastcoasttrimming.com
Prelle
The Lyon, France–based house, which also has outposts in New York and Paris, has been crafting fabrics and passementerie since the 18th century, when it outfitted the court of Louis XVI. Its large tassels are near works of art. prelle.fr
Houlès
Houlès, founded in Paris in 1928, deftly marries traditional French and contemporary styles in its array of offerings. Many of its products are riffs on archival patterns with plenty of decorative flair, though there are more clean-lined options for the modern decorator. houles.com
Les Passementeries de l'Île de France
Based in the Paris suburb of Belloy-en-France, this fourth-generation company crafts magnificently intricate and delicate tassels in a smattering of colors and styles. pidf.fr
Heritage Trimming
UK-based Heritage Trimmings was founded in 1991 to refurbish The King’s Apartments at Hampton Court Palace with metallic passementerie. Their offerings still have a royal feel: Heritage creates bespoke trimmings out of their historic factory in the city of Derby. Beyond their product offerings—from bullion fringes in four different weights to triple-swagged or knotted cord loops—the four-person team also offers historical replications and color matching services. www.heritagetrimmings.co.uk
Palladia Passementerie
A wholesaler specializing in European styles with a focus on metallics, Palladia has done work for the likes of the New York City Ballet, the Kennedy Center, and the Washington National Opera. Its standout is a robust selection of folk-style trimmings. palladiapassementerie.com
Cowtan & Tout
Cowtan & Tout offers fabrics, wallpapers and trimmings—and despite being acquired by the London-based Colefax group in 1988, their offerings all share a distinctive, American point of view. Under its umbrella are five distinct brands: Colefax And Fowler, Cowtan & Tout, Jane Churchill, Larsen, and Manuel Canovas. Their vast offerings (with showrooms across North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia) encompass intricate ropes, glimmering tassels, and finely embroidered ribbons. www.cowtan.com
Declercq
Another French house with an impressive array of hand-knotted trimmings in all manner of styles, Declercq is also an educational destination. Its most useful feature is the illustrated glossary of trimming styles on its website, perfect for the indecisive customer or one looking to discover new styles. declercqpassementiers.fr
