Passement is a word that refers to decorative trimmings, typically made of lace or braid, that are used to decorate clothing, furniture or soft furnishings. The IPA phonetic transcription for the spelling of the word "Passement" is /pa.ˈsə.mənt/. The first syllable "pa" sounds like "pah" and the second syllable "se" sounds like "suh". The third syllable "ment" sounds like "ment". The word is of French origin and has been adopted into the English language, hence the unusual spelling.
Passement is a noun that refers to an ornamental trimming or decoration used on clothing, furniture, or other items. It is derived from the French word "passementerie," which means "trimming" or "braid." Passement can take various forms, such as cords, fringes, tassels, ribbons, or braids, and it is typically made from threads or fibers in different colors and textures.
Commonly associated with traditional or luxurious designs, passement is often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of garments, upholstery, curtains, or home decor items. It can be sewn onto the fabric directly or attached through special fasteners. Passement can be seen on items like military uniforms, royal or ceremonial attire, haute couture fashion pieces, historical costumes, or even interior design elements.
The use of passement can denote a sense of opulence, elegance, and attention to detail. It adds a decorative touch and can be employed to accentuate specific areas of an item or create elaborate patterns. Passement can vary in size, thickness, and complexity depending on the desired effect and the context it is used in. It has been used for centuries in various cultures, with different styles and techniques originating from different parts of the world.
Overall, passement is a versatile and decorative element that can transform ordinary objects into visually appealing and intricate works of art.
The word "passement" comes from the French term "passementerie", which is derived from the verb "passementer". This verb is a combination of two words: "passe" meaning "to pass" or "passing", and "menter" which is derived from "mentis", meaning "manner" or "way".
"Passementerie" originally referred to the art of making and using decorative trims and embellishments in textiles, such as braids, fringes, tassels, or cords. These decorative elements were used to adorn clothing, upholstery, or other fabric-based items. Over time, the term "passementerie" was shortened to "passement" in English and is often used to refer to the decorative trims themselves.