Claire Fashions Plastic-Covered Purse with Inset Needlework Design

Plastic-Covered Purse with Inset Needlework Design. 1960s. Maker: Claire Fashions. Large, oblong (not quite baguette) purse made of textured linen-look fabric and covered completely in plastic. Beneath the plastic is a rectangular mesh backing that has a floral needlework design edged in gold braided trim. Matching ivory-colored faux leather handle and frame. Near perfect condition green moire interior. Zip pocket. Sturdy clasp. Four goldtone feet.

These always remind me of the plastic my mom used to put on the couch. What’s especially fantastic about this one is its condition. It’s almost mint, with no tears or yellowing.

Bonus pic! A plethora of plastic purses!

Jolles Red Corduroy Tote

Red Corduroy Tote with Colonial Couple. 1960s. Maker: Jolles Original. Large, bright red corduroy tote-style purse with front mesh (needlepoint base) design featuring a needlework colonial couple, separated by a tree. The woman holds a basket; the man a lute, or, perhaps a shovel. (I hope not.) It is also embellished with hundreds (thousands?) of glued-on seed beads, faux pearls and rhinestones. Inside are two pockets; one zips.

Jolles bags are always eye-catching conversation pieces, sometimes embellished with three-dimensional designs. Here's a bonus pic of my three (so far!) corduroy Jolles purses. One has the legs and skirts of cancan dancers in felt and the other is a sewing motif, which you can see better in a separate post.

Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Purse and Duramesh Gold Mesh Purse Accessories

BONUS! DOUBLE POST! Whiting & Davis Wristlet and Duramesh Purse Accessories. 1940s-1950s. Maker: Whiting & Davis and Duramesh. Gold mesh Whiting & Davis tiny purse with wristlet-style, tightly woven goldtone metal mesh handle. Goldtone purse frame is stamped Whiting & Davis Co. – Made in USA.

Duramesh gold mesh purse accessories set including change purse, billfold, comb and file holder (comb and file still inside!), pillbox, and glasses or cigarette case. Most of the items have the cloth Duramesh - Made in USA label on the inside.

While some people use the manufacturers’ names interchangeably, my understanding is that Whiting & Davis and Duramesh were competitors. I bought this set together, but I don’t think the seller knew they were made by separate companies. I am not certain of the era, as experts seem to disagree, but I am guessing ‘40s or ‘50s. If you have any info on these, please email me at info(at)vintagepursegallery(dot)com and I will post it here.

Tooled Leather Little Girl's Shoulder Bag

Small Tooled Leather Shoulder Bag. 1970s. Maker: Unknown. Sweet little tooled brown leather handbag, probably a child’s purse. Intricate floral pattern on both sides. Leather lacing trim. Kisslock with brass-tone window, which has red plastic on the underside. Three inner pockets; one zips. Removable strap.

This purse is adorable! If I had a granddaughter, it would be SO hers. Check out the bonus pics below. I recently acquired a 1970s swirl skirt with matching halter. It looks better on Graciela the Mannequin than on me, but I’m going to wear it anyway. (Don’t worry—the halter will have a blouse over it!)

Hot Pink Midas of Miami Purse with Springtime Scene

Basket Purse with Springtime Scene. 1960s. Maker: Midas of Miami. White-painted wicker picnic-style bag with hot pink velvet inset on the front and at the top. Design features a painted tree, applique pink and blue flowers, and faux mother-of-pearl birds. Gold trim. White and gold handles. Three gold feet. Inside lined in pink satin-like fabric.

I know I say certain designers are “my favorite,” but, truly, the Midas of Miami brand is one of the best, with handmade designs that are like no other. In fact, I have duplicates of some Midas bags and even those have slight variations. Check out this bonus pic!

Suki Wooden Box Bag with Asian Design

Woven Box Bag with Asian Motif. 1950s. Maker: Handbags by Suki, Miami, FLA. Black and silver metallic woven oval box bag with a black Lucite top. The top has a painted Asian/Oriental design that resembles a stylized geisha with a large fan. Also has glued-on rhinestones. Closes with a Lucite latch. Lined in pink fabric.

I have always wanted a Suki bag, but the workmanship and rarity makes them somewhat cost prohibitive. Then this one came up, priced very reasonably. It does have some damage to the design and missing rhinestones, but, hey, nobody’s perfect!

Jolles Velvet Flower Pot Handbag

Velvet Flower Pot Handbag. 1960s. Maker: Jolles Original. Wonderful, large, heavy black velvet-covered purse with three-dimensional design of red velvet flowers, green velvet leaves and a flower pot covered in shiny, multi-colored seed beads. Also has large clear rhinestones on the pot and red rhinestones in the center of each flower. Heavy black plastic handle. Lined in black felt. One zip interior pocket and one non-zip pocket.

Jolles is one of my favorite makers. I love the whimsy of the designs! This bag, alas, has some major separation issues (well, who doesn’t?) and needs professional repair. One of these days, I’m going to have to gather all my injured purses and take them to someone who can fix them up. If you live in the East Ventura County/San Fernando Valley area, and know someone with major skills and magic—plus reasonable pricing, please email me: info(at)vintagepursegallery(dot)com.