'A Royal Hanging'

If it’s status that you’re seeking, then a tassel is what you need.

Just like King Louis XIV had silk and woolen tassels fastened onto his imperial garb, the noble and wealthy classes have long used tassels to flaunt their pedigree. Hanging from cushions, upholstered headboards and carriages, tassels with gold and other vibrant braids became popular in interiors for its royal reputation.

The tassel is still considered regal and luxurious, sometimes found dangling from a military coat or leather loafer (see vintage Bally loafers below). And in the home, tassels are a sought-after accessory on drapes, upholstery and antique furniture.

Décor Innovation’s newest arrival is a collection of hand woven tassels ($14.99 below) in colors like sage, chocolate, fuchsia and peach. And recently added, a set of single eight-inch tassels and crystal-embellished tassels.

The ornate tassels have a decorative appliqué at the top of the mould. A ribbon wraps around the body, suspended by a double-braided cord. At the bottom, decorative pompons and galloon trim give way to a two-toned fringe skirt. Unlike single tassels, the collection consists of dual tassels on each end.

There are the obvious places a tassel might be found: around curtains, valences and other window trimmings. Weavers continue to use a weaver’s knot (the tassel’s predecessor), which for thousands of years would finish the ends of rugs, blankets and clothing.

For a classic, opulent look, a tassel might be attached onto the end of a table runner, or used as a napkin ring. It could be more practical and be tied to the pull of a ceiling fan or table lamp. A tassel makes an excellent ornament, bookmark, or accent on an invitation or gift.

Ever thought of using a tassel for a necklace or belt on a long, full skirt?

It should not come as a surprise why the tassel, for all its infinite uses, has survived the test of time. I challenge you to find your own use for a tassel – whether in your home or wardrobe. And discover that with one, two, or three tassels, you’ve been upgraded.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of teenvogue.com, decorinnovation.com

'Gray Matter'

The gray building known as the AC Hotel in Bologna looms over the tennis courts in front of it, casting an ominous shadow over terracotta rooftops. It may not compliment the architecture of this medieval city, but it is one of Bologna’s most modern and luxurious hotels.

I got word only a few weeks ago that I would be traveling to Bologna again, my second time in the last six months, to attend an annual party. Complete with live music, food, wine, art and fashion, the 10-hour bash would take place at the Impero Villa.

I imagined that I would spend my short stay in a hotel typical of most European cities: a small accommodation with paper thin walls, classic fixtures and a narrow staircase in place of an elevator.

But AC Hotel was different.

New, urban and cosmopolitan is at the heart of the hotel chain’s mission. With locations in Spain, Italy and Portugal, AC Hotels redefines luxury with its state of the art services and rooms designed for comfort.

I held my breath as I swiped the room door open with the key card.

Soft. Inviting. Modern. A cream curtain covered the length of a wall with windows, filtering only soft light into the room. A minimalist black chair with foot stool and a longer black stool for my luggage were the other pieces of furniture in addition to the bed. An ample-sized closet opened with the pull of a sliding door.

Eco-friendly. The lights and power in the room needed the key card to be inserted through a slot by the door in order to activate. Without the key card, all electric powered fixtures would turn off after five minutes or so. While the idea is not altogether new for most European buildings, the feature was helpful in lighting the room when entering into the bedroom at night.

Sleek. Chic. A sink made completely of glass allowed me to stare at the dark hardwood floors of the bathroom as I watched my hands. The bathroom “curtain” was a thick panel of glass that extended halfway across the tub. A directional shower, complimentary soaps and toothbrushes were thoughtful touches.

Making my way to the exercise room on the top floor and later to the ground floor restaurant, I had no idea what else was in store on this business trip.

To be continued...

-S. Gonzalez