
This beauty was made in Florence, Italy and has a fantastic story. First, I’ll tell my part –
On a Mediterranean cruise, I was listening to the excursions director tell about the ports of call that we’d be stopping in. Part of her presentation was to highlight the special products available in each place, in case we wanted to go shopping. She flashed a slide of this handbag made in Florence, Italy on the screen and I just about jumped out of my seat. I had discovered this one just like it about 2 months before while vintage-hunting in my neighborhood! When I told the excursions director my story, she congratulated me and said that these bags sell for 300+ Euros!!
Italy has long been known for its exceptional leather goods – some say it’s #1 in the world. This purse is certainly a good example. It has a gorgeous red leather lining with special internal pockets which I have never seen before. Each one closes with a snap clasp like old cigarette cases used to. The outside clasp is like other true vintage ones I have seen that self-lock when the purse is closed.
This handbag was styled after one which was made decades ago BY SPECIAL ORDER FOR GRACE KELLY. Can you imagine how my little vintage-loving heart swooned?!!! I’m not sure if this was while she was Princess Grace or was before her marriage to Prince Ranier in the 1950’s. After I got it home, I added a true vintage red and black leather billfold that I had picked up previously and which coordinates perfectly.
What a great surprise! Nothing could have added to the joy and mystique of my first cruise experience like that. You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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