Bags, Basie, Ellington, & All That Jazz with Katherine Watson and MJ

The morning after a Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra celebration of the Battle Royal, when Count Basie and Duke Ellington Bands performed together in 1961. A sound-sational performance.

The '60's is MJ's adopted era - yes, she found herself and her name, Moonjava, in the appeal of the sexy sixties. As Purse Museum historian she'd tell you that The Count Meets the Duke album by American pianists, composers and bandleaders Duke Ellington and Count Basie with their combined Orchestras was recorded and released in 1961. If you listen to a stereo release of the album, Basie's band is featured on the left channel and Ellington's on the right. In the early ’60s, women coveted Hermès Kelly bags, Hermès Constance bags, or Chanel 2.55 bags. In 1961 women loved to carry the long, structured clutch handbags for evening events. I'm more of a hobo bag with fringe flower child.

What a thrilling performance by SRJO

Jazz calls for the sparkles of a beaded clutch, take it from Katherine Watson, amateur sleuth and international purse designer in fiction. This beautiful, contemporary clutch gets its glittery look from plastic specs that just pick up the light in such a pretty way, along with the glow of the sleek, silvery hardware.

And a slick, glittering back to the clutch that will sparkle in the lights at the concert hall, or in the moonlight of a clear night in the last echoes of a brilliant jazz concert.

And such a roomy interior considering the clutch style, not only in width but in length. And a handy pocket for your cards that you want to have easy slip access to. A beautiful evening that ended on a high note that echoed through the holiday weekend. Thanks SRJO!

And to see a real purse museum, plan a visit to Esse in Little Rock, Arkansas.