Lanvin Fall 2009 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Valentino Spring 2010 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Chanel Spring 2010 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Along with fur (which is had a major moment this fall and shows no signs of letting up), embroidery and beading are among the best ways to convey decadence, opulence, and romance in fashion. For many designers, the main goal of using these techniques on textiles is to give garments that extra oomph factor. In fact, in recent seasons, couture houses have been laying on the embellishments to justify the astronomically expensive price tags of their intricate pieces, while ready to wear brands such as Lanvin use them to tell a poetic design narrative.

Project 1281, a boutique New York-based textile development firm, has made a mission out of pushing the limits on what's possible in fabric design.
 
The firm, which was founded by Jesse Finkelstein and Katie King, takes a decidedly experimental route. This season, a selection of the firm’s inventive embroidery work includes a series of horn buttons surrounded by tie-dyed fabric, hand painted sequins that create a watercolor effect when laid on fabric, mini black beads with ruched silk over them, gold sequins with dark brown beads following tribal patterns, and little pellets arranged in neat striped squares.

Project 1281 fabrics

Although the firm’s inventive creations are nothing of short of striking, their services go beyond the beads. "I think textile and fabric development is incredibly interesting, partly because the opportunities for experimentation are limitless," says Finkelstein. "There are very few companies in the United States who are developing radically new textiles—let alone, fabric—that is affordable and made in a responsible way."
 
Each season, the firm holds a Strike Off, a textile forum that promotes collaboration. “We invite textile designers and artists, some of whom have never worked with fabrics before, to contribute inspiration and designs to be [shown] alongside our work to fashion designers,” explains Finkelstein.  The gathering also creates a dialogue about trends, design, and production, between all of the participants. "It illustrates the power of textiles to weave together different communities."
 

Though Project 1281’s approach is rare, we found these pieces on eBay that reflect the company's use of creative embellishments.

1. Chloe Beaded Bracelet Bag (starting bid, $826)

2. Chanel Black Tulle Runway Dress (starting bid, $1,299)

3. New Chloe Runway Silk Beaded Dress (buy it now price, $599.99)

4. Miu Miu Shoes with Swarovski Jet Beads (buy it now price, $600)

5. New Fendi B-bag Handbag (buy it now price, $2,100)