When it rains, it pours! A luxury-brand, lizard-skin purse from the Fifties, sold at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, or possibly Chicago. Full leather construction with the quality hardware that you would expect on an expensive handbag.
I come across bags of this genre now and again, but I wasn’t expecting it! Just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember the lovely lizard bag? Well, here’s a sister from the same era, but in croc. This one may be a bit older, due to the restrictions that were imposed on crocodile leather and other exotic skins after WWII. As with fur, I’m not a fan of animal skins for our clothing and accessories and won’t buy any new ones; but the true vintage examples are collectible pieces of fashion history to me.
As is the other one, this one’s a beauty. It has a full-leather interior and several pockets. Although there are some apparent discolorations on the outside (they might even be natural to the skin itself), it’s very clean and undamaged inside – always a delight when discovering an old handbag!
So, surprised again! I always love that, and the surprises keep on coming . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Couldn’t be more elegant and beautiful. This is one of the best of the best from the 1940’s or 1950’s. Made in Japan, all by hand – of course. This style is more unusual than the typical rectangular shape and it may be a bit older than many. Of course, I had to have it for my collection.
The craftsmanship and lovely design out-do anything similar that’s been made recently. These bags are always quite heavy for their size, which testifies to the number of glass beads used. And the fact that they are all sewn by hand adds an extra level of quality. That so many have lasted for all these decades without falling apart tells the story . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So I thought: “Hey, neat ’60’s purse with the faux tortoise plexi frame. Black patent is so classic and versatile. Nice big clutch with lots of room.” When I looked more closely, I noticed the the rotating “cuffs” on each corner which serve as the closure. And, when I looked inside – whoa! There’s a hidden shoulder strap!! Never would have guessed.
I just LOVE these clever designs from back in the day. Someone loved this purse well because it looks virtually new. I’ve seen one or two from that era in the same materials, but nothing made quite like this one and I love the larger size, too. So convenient and stylish.
Another fun find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! Original macrame’ pieces from the Sixties and Seventies haven’t tended to survive well – no surprise. This one is so intricately and tightly knotted, of heavy household twine. Simple style with no liner, but required great skill to make and it’s not small. Can you imagine the time put into this project?!
And, so beautifully preserved. A wonderful blast from the past.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A very pretty fabric handbag in faille on the outside and satin on the inside both, I believe, of silk. With hardly any wear, the inside is pristine. I love the kiss clasp inset with black cabochons and the sculptured metal frame. It’s a very lovely hardware example.
This is a special design by a company which made elegant bags, beginning at least as early as the 1940’s, and probably before. Someone cherished it in a big way; kept for special outings or occasions.
What next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This little handbag shows the best of the trademarks of it’s time. Crocheted cover and full lining. Handmade. The natural bamboo frame is lovely and the medium size with inside pocket makes it very practical.
Although I have others similar, this example was special enough to make me snap it up. One this clean and undamaged, especially with a needlework cover, is a super-rare find! But, doesn’t surprise me – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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 photo of this handbag made in Florence, Italy on the screen and I just about jumped out of my seat. I had discovered this one above 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. After I brought it home, I added a black and red leather billfold which I had found on a previous thrifting expedition. It coordinates perfectly!
This handbag was styled after one which was made decades ago BY SPECIAL ORDER FOR GRACE KELLY, probably after she had married Prince Ranier of Monaco in 1956 and was living as Princess Grace in Europe. Can you imagine how my little vintage-loving heart swooned when I learned that?!!!
What a great surprise! Nothing could have added to the joy and mystique of my first cruise experience like this did. You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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This frock is another of Rosalie’s creations. (The mother of a dear friend and a fantastic seamstress). A simple design made interesting with inverted pleats on the bodice and skirt. She was such an exceptional tailor! The fabric is a textured type that was very popular in the mid to late ’60’s which resembles burlap or “hop sacking”.
I have added the chain belt, though the dress was intended to hang straight and falls nicely without it. The scarf is another addition – also Rosalie’s, but it was commercially made. Since the colors blend so nicely and both are from the mid-sixties Mod era, they are really good together. This is a good example of how accessories can transform an outfit.
So, here’s an everyday ensemble from 50 years ago that’s so easy to wear and has a different “twist” that makes it absolutely unique today! Even though it’s not pop-your-eyes-out vintage, people will see it and say “hmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . .?”
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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These two are very special, though they may not seem so at first glance. Let me tell you why –
The coral-color clutch is by Morris Moscowitz, a maker of fine handbags until about 1975. This one is from the Fifties or very early Sixties. It is fabric on the outside – a linen/rayon blend is what it looks like – and fabric-lined inside (much more nicely than anything I see in the mid-priced range today). Love the color and the fabric exterior – great for Spring and Summer. You will find the maker’s name printed in gold inside – MM with the full name in small letters below. Beware, as always, of logos that look similar, but are not authentic.
The second one can double as a clutch or handbag, made of imitation leather with a fabric lining. It is by Ande’. Purses by this maker, in my experience, were not high-end items but their designs were always innovative and creative and they are nicely made. For example, this one has a make-up mirror that folds out on a hinge. You’ll never lose or break this one! Of course, it would usually be stored inside the purse, as the handle can be, too. Notice the Lucite clasp.
What else makes these handbags wonderful? Remember, they are at least 50 years old and have stood up exceptionally well. Their construction speaks to the quality of the materials and the workmanship in the manufacture of them which is something that we, unfortunately, see very rarely today.
I’ve discovered several of these in my various vintage-hunting episodes and they are each different and distinctive.
Little details are always a surprise! 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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