I can't see the pic very clearly but to me it looks as though lines of fondant have been folded in on themselves and stuck to the side of the cake. Kind of like those cupcakes I've seen where the fondant is cut out in circles and then loosely folded over on itself twice to create a ruffled look.
Very pretty look!
I have seen this technique in a book by Zoe Clark. " The cake parlour Sweet tables"
This paticular cake was done by http://thecakethatateparis.com.au/contact
Maybe you can email them and ask. But I agree with me_me1, that it could be that technique.
I'm sure it's the fondant circles, each one smooshed together, and the pointy end folded over a bit and "glued" to the cake. This shows a flower being made, but it's the same technique:
http://deliciadesigns.com/a-fondant-ruffle-flower-tutuorial/
This paticular cake was done by http://thecakethatateparis.com.au/contact
Maybe you can email them and ask. But I agree with me_me1, that it could be that technique.
Ahh, that link shows the cake much closer up 
Looks like the fondant circles smooshed together to me too.
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