Fringe Benefits

For years I was partial to modern design - sleek, geometric and clean. But after being exposed to designers like Kelly Wearstler, Thad Hayes and Robert Mishaan, my style has evolved to something I like to define as updated classic.

A testament to this shift in aesthetics is my current fixation with tassels. I never gave tassels much thought before but today I spent a good deal of the afternoon looking for them.

There is a place in Hong Kong that sells expensive fabric and drapery accoutrements called Cetec (now located on the 18F of the Printing House building on Dudell Street.) They are expensive because their fabrics and hardware are from France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland and their selections are tasteful and well-edited.

They have great selections of tiebacks with tassels - from the classic and ornate variety to the more contemporary ones. I found one a simple one in olive which would look exquisite against our emerald green drapes. I like it's clean look.

My second choice has two tassels on both both ends and each one has a metal upper part instead of the usual knots or loops. I asked for it in olive as well.

Cetec has sent my request to the manufacturer in France and I am to find out tomorrow which one is available. They said it will take 10 days for it to get to HK.