Vintage Compacts at White River Museum

From the 1940's and 1950's these matching accessories are designed to be carried in a middle size, over the arm handbag from the 1940's or 1950's, like the Evans bag in the picture from the White River museum Bags exhibit earlier this year.  The matched accessories include a powder compact for blush that's leak proof and has a soft velour puff.  Also a one piece pop up lipstick holder, cigarette case, lighter, and comb.  The full set like this, including the purse in 1940 would have been priced at $41.50 + tax.

The Evans Case Company of North Attleboro, MA manufactured American compacts between 1920 and 1960.  The company started by making brass buttons.  As competition in the button business increased, they branched into other items such as picture frames and neck chains for US Navy dog tags.  With the end of WWI, they were looking for other items again.  That's when they started making compacts.  These were a big hit and they could barely keep up with sales demand.

Another option of the time is a compact designed to have all the accessories within it.  Then you carry just the single compact in your mid-size purse.  This one has a pretty gold metal finish.

Here's a real sparkler, rhinestone set.  One of the challenges in collecting vintage is that over time these separate, small accessories get separated and misplaced.  It's more valuable and exciting when you find a collection intact.

Another gold plated intact compact

Pretty compact with faux sapphires.

For when you don't want to carry a big purse.  Instead a holder for converting a pretty, gold plated compact into a sort of wristlet

A collection of "dance bags" by Briggs.  These began as especially fashionable in the 1920's.  Some brands of dance bags, not pictured here, had a metal circle at the top of the extended chain which was a "finger loop".  Inside, the necessities of a compact.

More examples of dance bags

Sparkling evening bag, and notice the intricate filigree at the top of the frame

1920's wallet to carry either on its own, or inside a larger compact or purse

Antique Purses at White River (Part 2)

This enamel mesh is very flexible and soft to the touch. It's shiny surface and cheery colors are so alluring. Look at the detail on the frame that really adds to the styling. And of course, the popular kiss clasp.

This delicate purse is from 1910 is on the early side of the art deco design. This displayed bag is currently under repair and originally included a small lavendar sachet. The antique purses so often included a small accessory within when purchased, could be a sachet, or a compact, or a small mirror. Over time these pretty accessories were often separated from their original purse, or misplaced, or lost.

This very small bag is from 1905. Remember these purses are primarily for decoration, and for just the ladies' absolute necessities when away from home.

One of my favorites, no subtlety in the gold here, and crowned with a shining, clear, faceted clasp embellished with smaller, sparkling round clear glass. This is one of the early bags with no kiss clasp, and it's a little roomier than many from the era.

The metal mesh in this case is not enameled, instead the orange lining from the bag is seen through the mesh. The corners and edges are a little reinforced, and notice the six dangling metal pearl shapes at the bottom. The silver colored metal frame and large silver color kiss clasp complement the mesh and highlight the colorful orange lining.

What a dreamy, dynamic, midnight blue beaded bag. It's a French metal beaded purse with brass frame. The intricate beading is thickly layered for an extravagant effect.

And here's the matching coin purse with the twist lid.  This was included inside the bag for the original purchase.

This bag engenders feelings of Great Gatsby for me, although it's decidedly prior to that era. The intricate beading is best described simply as art. Look at the details on the frame as well, including the gem stones.

Unbelievably beautiful scrolled frame work on this bag, and again the layered, draping beadwork. In person the shiny brightness of the yellow beads is delightful.

Whiting and Davis

What a treat - a temporary purse exhibit at the White River Museum. Wish it was permanent, but I very much enjoyed it while it was here.  I'm happy to share with you all the amazing purses.  In this series, I'm going to start with one of my all time favorites which is Whiting and Davis and metal and mesh bags.  It all started with the original factory in Plainville, Massachusetts when three men . . . 

From 1910, this was a common size for a purse at the time, which would hang over a woman's belt of a dress or skirt.  When dresses didn't have pockets, this pocket purse style took the place in order to carry a very few necessities.

The original wristlet style.  These are drawstring openings.

A beautiful little wristlet with a peacock accent at the top.  The delicate clasp to open it you can just see on the left side.

Love these gold mesh coin pochetes (French, "small bag")

Delightful pansy design in the beading, and on the right an amazing, sparkling orange.  Notice the silver frame on the orange wristlet, with the kiss clasp.  I'm a big bag girl, but I just love this artistry.

Back again to the drawstring opening on this exquisite silver and gold pocket purse.

Proud peacock art in this striking Whiting and Davis, again with a silver frame and kiss clasp.  This purse in the collection was really in excellent condition for being almost 90 years old.

Here's an intricate, abstract design that almost leaning toward the art deco of that era.  You see again the typical framing, but this time in a gold metal.

This well loved dear has seen better days, faded now from its glories and outings.  If only it could talk and tell of the many adventures its seen.

A mesh floral bouquet.  You can almost catch the pretty scent in the air.  Unfortunately the hanging trim is a bit worn and a little missing, but still a pretty display.

As Whiting and Davis continued through to the Fifties.  And the company still thrives today as you can see at this link  

Now we're really starting to see some tendencies to art deco.  This isn't Whiting and Davis though.  This is a French metal beaded with a brass frame.

This one isn't a Whiting and Davis either.  This is enameled metal mesh by Mandalian Manufacturing Company.  The co-founder of the company was Sahatiel Mandalian of Turkish heritage and so you can see his product was influenced by a Turkish design from his heritage.

Another enameled mesh, this one with a gorgeous trim and an embellished gold framing.

Couldn't resist ending with this very different Whiting and Davis.  This one is more recent, from the 1950's.  Despite the look, this isn't beading.  It's a metal woven "alumesh" that is a trade name for a light weight metal beadlike material.  A different look.  The framing idea is their typical, and with the kiss clasp, but the enameling adds a nice accent.

Snoopy Celebrates 75 Years of Coach!

Coach's overarching theme is - sexy and fun that also works.

This newest, limited edition design emphasizes the fun side of functional.  The first in a series of limited-edition projects celebrating the brand, this collaboration is catering to the heritage label's lighter, more playful side. This window was in the Seattle suburbs, and the collection includes all kinds of styles from coin purse, to wristlet, crossbody, satchel, and tote.  My favorite were those picturing Snoopy, and his very yellow pal Woodstock together.

This idea is the brainchild of newly appointed creative director Stuart Vevers, who's responsible for dramatically revamping Coach's image over the last year.  Born in South Yorkshire, England, Stuart Vevers moved to London at the age of 18 to study Fashion Design at the University of Westminster.  He started his career at Calvin Klein in New York, and moved on to successful roles at Bottega Veneta, Givency, and Louis Vuitton.  Vevers was named Accessory Designer of the Year at the 2006 British Fashion Awards.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Coach!  In 1941 they started with totes and hobo's.

Coach has always stood for high quality for a fair price, with understated American good taste and functionality.  Timely, not trendy.  The company started marketing their bags for airline stewardesses, and military women.  The brand quickly spread.

Coach derives inspiration from art, architecture and films, and now in this limited edition from an American iconic comic.

The company's buzzy new concept is "modern luxury".  It’s a phrase that’s been on the lips since the appointment of Stuart Vevers as executive creative director in fall 2013.  The concept plays strongly into the history of the brand, incorporating touches of leather in traditional New York architectural details, a nod to the company’s home.

Victor Luis, Coach Chief Executive Officer, noted that while the new look will hopefully draw a new customer to the brand, ongoing references to its history — the leather touches, the horse and carriage logo, the turn lock hardware — will satiate existing ones.  “We see ourselves as wanting to represent our own authentic view of what it is to be America’s original authentic house of leather, but at the same time, we are, under Stuart’s direction, stepping out to be a very credible fashion resource.”

Watch for Vevers' new spring campaign - The freedom and romance of the great American landscape meets the raw energy of New York City.

Sparkle for the Holidays

Meet Mary Frances. The passion she has for her accessories sparkles through.  Starting in San Francisco, after 2 decades her vision has become an international venture using artistic influences from around the world.  She's inspired in her use of different fabrics, textures, and unique combinations of materials and colors.  You'll be surprised to see the intricate beading and intermingling of surprising materials to make a truly unique look you'll love to hold and carry.  She's been discovered by celebrities too like Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Hudson to name just three.  Her business is one of the fastest growing privately owned companies by INC magazine, and her designs have won awards in the Dallas Fashion Awards, Paris Fashion Week, and the prestigious Best Design award in Milan

A dash of color with your sparkle, enjoy this Mary Frances trio.  They are the Wonder Struck Bouquet, the Fan Out handbag, and the Madrid handbag

Beautiful Zebra!

A rose by any other name . . . .

Bottega Veneta in Vegas

BRIQUE INTRECCIATO (braided) SILK STRETCH KNOT
The timeless Stretch Knot is an elegantly elongated version of the signature Knot clutch bag. A masterpiece of design and artisanal craftsmanship, interpretations of the Knot have ranged from the understated to the extravagant over the years, each new style confirming the irresistible beauty and timeless charm of this iconic design. Recreated in a new and vibrant colour palette, this youthful and contemporary piece is made of intricately crafted Intrecciato Silk.

For Fall-Winter 2015/2016, Bottega Veneta presents a women’s collection inspired by a nonchalant sense of style. Put together in unexpected combinations, the looks reveal the beauty of individualistic dressing.  Bottega Veneta signature saying is "when your own initials are enough" Initials combines the beauty of Bottega Veneta’s handcrafted intrecciato (braided) nappa with the elegance and individuality of a monogram. Every piece is hand-woven of the finest quality nappa leather and back-lined with suede on the interior, making it lightweight as well as distinctive-looking.

Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and is headquartered in Vicenza, Italy.  The company’s artisans developed a leather-weaving know-how, called intrecciato that remains a signature of the brand.  By the early 1980s, Bottega Veneta was a favorite of the international By the early 1980s, Bottega Veneta was a favorite of the international jet set. Andy Warhol, who did his Christmas shopping in the New York boutique, made a short film for the company in 1980s.. Andy Warhol, who did his Christmas shopping in the New York boutique, made a short film for the company in 1980s.

The name means Venetian Shop.  In 2001, it was purchased by the Gucci Group. Creative Director Tomas Maier came on board in June of that year. and presented his first collection, for Spring-Summer 2002, that fall. The German-born Maier, whose résumé includes positions at Sonia Rykiel and Hermès, set about returning the brand to its original identity. He removed visible logos from the brand’s products, highlighted the signature intrecciato weave prominently, and returned the company’s focus to artisanal production.  In Summer 2006, in recognition of the importance of artisanal craftsmanship and the diminishing number of master leatherworkers in Italy, Bottega Veneta opened the Scuola della Pelletteria, a school to train and support future generations of leather artisans.

Proud to Show Prada

Welcome to Prada!  Come on in!  In 1913 Mario Prada opened a shop of luxury goods in the heart of Milano in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In 1919 Prada was appointed Official Supplier to the Italian Royal Family and so had the right to inncorporate the coat of arms and knotted rope insignia of the House of Savoy into its trademark logo.  In 1988 Miuccia Prada (Mario's granddaughter) introduced Prada's revolutionary backpack purse.  Until then high priced luxury bags and venerable European leather goods were only for the jet setter, ultra elites. Miuccia Prada had suddenly crossed boundaries of wealth and class.

I'm not suggesting Prada isn't pricey, it is.  But this backpack purse was the beginning of the attainable appeal of European designer purses.  Prada is thought of as an agent of cultural change, adapting vintage design to 21st century taste.  Miuccia Prada's signature look has been said to be - sexy librarian.  The Prada woman is said to be complex

Grrrrrreat animal prints for fall and winter from Prada.  You'll find this Saffiano Cuir and Struzzo styles not only in animal print, but also in so many different colors.  This is a Galleria bag with two zippered sides and in the middle an open inside for the ultimate in organization.  The Galleria bag is classic for the brand.

Similar Saffiano Cuir styles are the Twin Bag and the Double Bag.  Part of the difference between these two as well as the Galleria bag is the closure types.  The Galleria has the secure zippers.  The Double Bag has an interior fold over closure, and the Twin Bag has a Turn Closure.  All come in several different sizes.

Here's the coveted, fall 2015 prize.  The Tartan Plaid Saffiano Top Handle Bag.  Don't you love the colors and style!  And you will be amazed at the functional organization inside.  So many different sections, some are secured by zipper, and some are open for quick access.  What a great new Prada style this year.

This is what I find to be an odd, new addition to the Prada line - The Inside Bag.  There is limited space along the sides of this built in bag.  I'm usually a Prada girl but this doesn't seem practical to me.

Ciao Bella Prada Vegas!  That's amore!

Gucci Blooms

Meet Alessandro Michele and his incredible design for Gucci. He is Gucci's new Creative Director. He joined Gucci in 2002 as one of the behind-the-scenes designers, and was previously with Tom Ford. I've never been a Gucci Girl - until now that is. Everything's coming up Supreme Geraniums now, and I can't get enough of it. He has a Renaissance influence, and is particularly inspired by his love of nature and animals. He especially likes to mix geometrics with florals.
Michele says, “Night and day. I am trying to cause a little revolution inside the company—to push another language, a different way to talk about beauty and sexiness, which is an old word. It’s about sensuality now. When I started the first collection, I was thinking not in terms of fashion but in terms of attitude,” he adds, “that sense of beauty which I tried to find for an old and beautiful and charming brand like Gucci.”

"I risk a lot," says Michele, "It's not easy to live now. I think we need to dream. So I wanted to present an idea of something romantic, in dream time - like in a movie."  Michele is beautifully redefining what Gucci represents.  He is said to very much like the pop of the company's double G logo.

The Supreme Geraniums are also blooming on wallets, card cases, backpacks, pouches, key cases, sneakers, and ballerina style shoes

Michele's father appreciated nature. Michele spoke with feeling about his father being a very happy man, but powerful.  A man who could identify the sound of different birds, and could whistle the sounds and they would come. It was his aunt who taught him to crochet, and you can see the influence of that appreciation for working with your hands here with this lively, embroidered bird.

Of course, you may prefer the elegant, straightforward lines of the blue accent bag.

As you can see from the window in Las Vegas, along the Purse Parade Way, Gucci has much to offer.

I am captivated by this amazing, new design.  Michele will be staging his collections in Milan, although personally he's said he prefers the city of Rome.  No doubt Gucci's original headquarters in Rome feeds his passion for the city.  In the Palazzo Alberini, it was originally built in the sixteenth century under the direction of Raphael.  But Michele loves to travel, and no doubt picks up inspiration wherever he goes. For now, Michele declares, "I'm having a lot of fun!"  I look forward to what Alessandro Michele may bring in the future. Ben Fatto!  Well Done!

More stories about adventures in the Las Vegas Purse Wonderland to come soon . . . .