So nice to encounter this one! Morris Moscowitz mid-century purses are always fun, good quality items – and some of them are really exceptional. I own examples from the 1940’s through the 1960’s or 1970’s.
This one has leather trim, nice hardware and little feet to stand upon, plus an attached coin purse.
In such good condition, too!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Needlepoint totes and sassy little clutch purses were very popular in the late 1950’s – mid-1960’s. I’m tickled to find these great examples that will be so practical and fun to carry! Love the touch of asymmetry in the designs of both.
Although modern shoulder straps can make today’s monster purses quite handy when only a large handbag will do, I often prefer the design of older ones – and they’re better-made, too, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (and even then, it’s no guarantee – shame, shame on modern makers).
Anyway, these pretties got tucked into my closet and will come out soon – so perfect for the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, although I liked the torpedo-shaped clasp and the almost-leather vinyl body I nearly passed on this because there are so many – but, then I decided to look inside. Whoa! Love it!!
Back last May I found a brownish handbag with this rainbow lining and fell in love, too. It goes without saying, ALWAYS look inside (if only to check the condition). Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Both these little ladies were made in Hong Kong, of similar basic design, but there is a world of difference between them. Lady Right was made for the uptown market, while Lady Left was sold downtown. Though they’re both clean and well-put-together, Lady Right grew up with all the best, while Lady Left’s beginnings were more humble.
It’s obvious “in person” that these bags were made for different markets. The styling in both is superior, but the materials and extra attention to detail show that Lady Right brought a higher price. Just comparing these two pretties, found at the same time, was a fun chance to evaluate a number of “clues” about their backgrounds.
I don’t have a favorite. Their stories are equally interesting to me (maybe Lady Left’s is a little more so . . . . .). Each one is perfect with the outfit that coordinates with it. While Lady Left could be much more casual, she is no less elegant – maybe even more so, if you don’t look too closely. Lady Right could seem a little tasteless if she showed up everywhere dressed like that.
I see one for holiday festivities or a very gala occasion (maybe tonight?), while the other would be lovely with a pretty summer dress. Both would be gorgeous for a bridal venue. It can all be so fascinating . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another wonderful find. This is an iconic purse style from the early 1960’s. I always love the fun prints used for the linings. You can see in the second photo that it also has a clear vinyl layer covering the fabric to protect the inside of the purse from spills and wear. What a great idea!
Several of these wait for summer in my closet, and the hardware and shapes can vary so I don’t mind collecting whatever I find. Many were made in British Hong Kong, which always meant quality workmanship.
When traveling incognito, of course, it’s important to have seasonal clothing and accessories to help me blend in with the scenery. These bags are big enough for all I need, but not too conspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This purse is a great example of the things I love about handbags made in the 1950’s. The true size is about 10″x 12″x 2″ – not too big, but it can hold a lot and has many interesting features:
Soft fabric finished to mimic suede.
Several inside pockets and a matching satin lining
So many of these older bags are in near-perfect condition, too – many with tissue paper inside. Owning fine accessory items and caring for them well (even without servants) used to be one of the hallmarks of an elegant lifestyle, and still is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I know – the black rayon evening handbag is so common and I see many of them. Although they almost always have something for their designers to be proud of in comparison to today’s cheap copies, I usually pass them by (I have so many!) However, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
once in a while I’ll see one with an unusual clasp or shape that makes me take a second look and know that I gotta have it. Here is one. It’s in beautiful condition, for one thing, but the closure set off to one side is handy and attractive. The style has that sleek, atomic feel that some post-war and mid-century modern designers really went for in the age of mega-bombs and Sputnik.
No matter how long this handbag hangs around, it will never be anything less than elegant. The quality and “look” keep it from being dated or unfashionable. Unless we someday stop carrying handbags altogether – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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