In the M&J Trimmings store based near 34th and Herald Square at 1008 Sixth Avenue, tall shelves of ribbon, fringe, lace, cord, feathers, elastic, appliques, buttons, etc. are organized meticulously by type and detail from floor to ceiling. The price range goes from a yard of ribbon sold at $2.28 to $99.98 per yard for beaded fringe.
From my visit to M&J Trimmings, I obtained three samples of trim: 1 ¾” ivory/beige embroidery with mirror, wine rabbit trim with metallic edges, and 60mm Greek Key jacquard trim. Each cost $11.98, $4.98, and $9.98 per yard respectively. When called for names of manufacturers, the employee claimed that they were unable to disclose that information.
In the Amazon description, the 60mm Greek Key jacquard trim is made of finely spun Rayon. Rayon (or artificial silk) is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber. It is manufactured from natural occurring polymers, so it is considered a semi-synthetic fiber. The production of rayon causes health hazards for the manufacturers. The carbon disulfide used to make viscose, a type of rayon, is highly toxic and can cause severe effects in workers. While rayon was found to be more biodegradable than cotton, a recent survey claims that 56.9% of the fibers found in parts of the deep ocean consist of rayon, others being polyester, polyamides, acetate, and acrylic.
The 1 ¾” wine rabbit trim with a metal edge features two rows of metallic looped braid and an embellished edge of wine-colored rabbit fur. Most of the world’s farmed fur is produced by European farmers. Anti-fur activists claim that the methods in fur farming are focused on making profit rather than the welfare of the animals.
These materials could be used in many ways in a project. They could accessorize fashion pieces or be the trims of a main piece. It would be difficult to use as the main material in a project, price and size-wise.
