Item 26-248

This is a beautiful and rather unusual piece of decorative French passementerie, most likely dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (c. 1890–1915). It is much more elaborate than ordinary trimming and was intended for high-quality dressmaking or interior decoration.

This trim is made up of several decorative elements woven together:

• A central woven tape, which provided strength and was stitched onto the garment or furnishing.

• A deep knotted silk fringe, giving movement and texture.

• A narrow blue and ivory gimp braid running along one edge. This intricate looping braid was both decorative and practical, helping to conceal the stitching line.

The contrast between the softly shimmering ivory fringe and the crisp navy-blue gimp braid gives it a distinctly Parisian Belle Époque elegance. It would have been considered a luxury trimming, used to finish garments or interiors where movement, texture and subtle colour were just as important as the fabric itself..