Passegarde is a term derived from French, which has been used in the realm of fashion and design to describe a type of decorative trimming or embellishment typically seen on clothing, accessories, or home furnishings. The word "passegarde" itself can be loosely translated as "couching" or "braid" in English.
A passegarde generally consists of a narrow strip of fabric, lace, or ribbon, intricately woven or stitched onto the surface of a garment or decorative item. This embellishment is often used to add dimension, texture, or a touch of elegance to the object it adorns. Passegardes can be crafted from various materials, including silk, satin, velvet, or even metallic threads, depending on the desired effect.
Typically, passegardes are applied using a technique called couching, in which the decorative strip is sewn onto the fabric by being laid flat on its surface and then secured with tiny stitches or loops. This method helps create a raised or embossed appearance, allowing the passegarde to stand out and catch the eye. Passegardes can adorn various items, such as the edges of clothing, cuffs, collars, hats, bags, or even upholstery.
The use of passegardes dates back centuries and has been a popular choice across different periods and cultures, offering a decorative element that adds sophistication and finesse to textiles and accessories.
