The Tassel Tales

Once touted as a bunch of loose threads knotted together for decoration or an accessory for your graduation hat, tassels have come a long way, thanks to designers using it in their clothes, footwear and jewellery. And this summer, tassels are making heads turn as they show up in various vibrant colours and quirky designs. Designer Pria Kataaria Puri says that the embellishment would trend this year and will find appeal with the discerning fashionista. She also termed tassels “elegant, dressy and feminine”. The trend is catching on, with many fashion stores showcasing off-shoulder tops with tassels in varied poppy colours. Be it off-shoulders or crop tops or a kurta, tassels lend your attire a bohemian feel. Deepika Padukone (far right) dazzled the red carpet with a pair of olive green tassel earrings last year, and this year, too, tassels have been reigning the runway. Be it airport looks or red carpet outfits, celebrities have been making the most of the embellishment. Disha Patani (extreme right) also graced the runway with an embroidered, ink blue lehenga and choli combination that had a cream, polka dot, gotta patti dupatta adorned with huge tassels. But while tassels are taking over clothes and jewellery, shoes can’t be left out. Parineeti Chopra rocked the bohemian look in tie-up flats with colourful tassels. For footwear designer Nupur Chaudhuri, tassels do jazz up a boring shoe. “It gives a new dimension to the shoe; that something extra that catches the eye. For instance, tassels are jazzing up Kolhapuris. We are using contrasting and complementary colours for the tassels — be it on our Kolhapuri wedges, Kolhapuri gladiators or even the simple Kolhapuri sandal. A bunch of short tassels or even a combination of long and short tassels adds that extra funk to shoes. Even tassles on tie-up high heels are in right now,” she says.