1950's Fashion

Bags in the 1950s were literally handbags and usually held by the hand or over the arm in the fashion followed by Grace Kelly who used her Hermes bag to hide her pregnancy. Many handbags had side pockets, or even grip clasps or rings for a woman to keep track of her gloves. Right – 1955 Handbag and Flat shoes.

Larger bags to hold possessions were also popular when women travelled using public transport some distance into towns. They could keep all their essentials with them as very few women realistically had regular car access in those days in UK.

Bucket bags and raffia bags were also useful accessories as winkle picker stiletto shoes were not so comfortable. Often a pair of flat shoes lurked in the bags out of necessity just in case entrance was forbidden. Carpet was not universally used then in buildings and many floors of the period were linoleum or wood tiled and the stilettos indented the tiles easily.

This gorgeous old wallet has intricate tooling on both sides. The reddish brown leather has a rich patina and seems to glow from being handled. Closed it measures 7” long by 3.5” wide. The snap closure and the zipper are brass. There is some green corrosion to the zipper but it still works fine. There is a silver metal snap on the interior change pouch that isn’t brass. The snap was painted brown at one time, but much of the brown paint has worn off. The mirror has a lot of corrosion and age to the backside so that it no longer works as a reflective surface, but it would be cool to slide a business card into that pocket instead. This item is in very good vintage condition. In fact, it is one of those items that becomes more beautiful with age.

The interior is lined with soft, supple brown leather. There are two compartments on each side: one side is zippered while other side has a window for a picture. The center of the wallet has a double coin purse. The wallet closes with a snap.

The 1950’s present a wide range of purse models, formal or casual, from black rayon faille with brass frame and findings, rayon satin lining to rayon corde handbag or purse with brasstone frame and clasp, flower and leaf front design, inside taffeta lining with open pocket and zippered pocket, one or two cords… They were usually made to match the shoes.

50s -The Chimayo Purse- Womens New-Old red, rust brown, ivory, peacock blue, black, hand-woven wool Chimayo weaving, brown rayon taffeta lining, with silvertone metal stamped thunderbird clasp, envelope-style clutch purse with small back strap for hand.

50s -Fine Bag Company- Womens soft black fabric purse having two carry handles, a gold tone frame, with a lift latch, having a textured circular underside. Inside is finished with a black satin fabric, has a zipper and slip in pocket and a divided compart…