From Marie-Antoinette to 2026 Runways: Fashion Brands Revive This Prestige Symbol This Season

Fashion’s Devil in the Details

When it comes to fashion, the devil doesn’t just wear Prada; he also lurks in the finer points. This once-forgotten symbol of prestige is set to dominate every display window by 2026, spanning from apparel to accessories.

The Devil is in the Details… Especially in Fashion World

To the untrained eye, minor elements in fashion might seem trivial, but to style enthusiasts, they are the subject of much fascination. Small in size yet historically a mark of power from East to West, this ornamental feature that enhances both garments and decorative items is expected to be ubiquitous this season. Traditionally linked to the plush velvet curtains of grand hotels, where it decorates tiebacks made from cords, this sartorial detail dates back to Ancient Egypt. It was used in royal tombs, like that of Tutankhamun, in the form of textiles or jewelry to prevent the fraying of mummy wrappings while also serving a decorative purpose. Gradually made from luxurious materials like silk—which was as valuable as gold in the 14th and 15th centuries—it became a blatant display of wealth. This little feature that will pervade our clothes, jewelry, bags, and shoes this year is none other than the “tassel,” known in French as “pampille.”

Model Taylor Hill was seen wearing a tassel pendant necklace at the Chloé fashion show on March 6, 2026, in Paris.

The Evolving Symbolism of the Tassel

The symbolism of the tassel has varied across different eras and continents: in Tutankhamun’s Egypt, it was a symbol of protection; during the Renaissance, it signified rank and authority (seen on royal insignias); and in the 18th century, it was a marker of success and advancement in academic, ecclesiastical, and military uniforms. In the realm of jewelry, tassels represent lavishness—a direct inheritance from the necklace created by high jewelers Charles Auguste Böhmer and Paul Bassenge, who were involved in the infamous “Affair of the Queen’s Necklace” concerning Marie Antoinette. Indeed, the 2842-carat jewel featured a hundred pearls and 674 diamonds, adorned with four tassels.

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Regardless of the time or place, one meaning remains constant: that of prestige and ostentation. Adopted by the haute couture world since the 20th century, the tassel thus adds a luxurious aura to the pieces it embellishes. In 2026, Boho chic hippie fringes are swept aside by the subtle tassels. They find their way onto long necklace pendants, earrings, bags, scarves, belts, and garments.

Runway Revelations

In its Fall-Winter 2025 show, Chloé featured tassels on discreet gold earrings and sautoirs. Valentino opted for maximalism with oversized tassels adorning the headgear of a model in its Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture show.

If you’re not looking to spend a dime but still want to embrace this style, why not repurpose grandma’s curtain cords into a belt that enhances your outfit? After all, fashion is all about creative repurposing!

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