Alternative fashion materials become wildly popular during the 20th century. Their zenith is the 1950s, when lucite handbags become the most trendy.
The reason primarily is that some materials have a commercial restriction during WWII. Therein lies the opportunity and even necessity to find alternative materials for the public. Because of various challenges including the one regarding WWII restriction, new materials enter the fashion scene.
First is celluloid, then bakelite. Afterwards bakelite evolves into lucite. In other words, each alternative material is an important improvement over the previous one. Today all these alternative materials exist as extremely collectible.
Examples of cellulose, bakelite and acrylic as alternative material jewelry and accessories
CELLULOID
Celluloid Jewelry The use of alternative fashion materials begins with the invention of celluloid. It actually starts as a trade name for a type of plastic invented in the mid-1800s. Over time this becomes the generic term. The material’s use is to produce many different kinds of items, including jewelry.
From the early 1900s through about 1940, a primary use for celluloid is jewelry production. In fact it is used especially as a substitute for tortoise shell and ivory. Unfortunately it is unstable and not an optimal alternative.
Cellulose Definition Cellulose definition from thoughco.com
Cellulose Jewelry Samples and History John Wesley Hyatt is the inventor of celluloid. He patents it in 1869. From the early 1900s through about 1940, celluloid is a frequent substitute in jewelry production. Its range is from bangle bracelets with rhinestone decoration, hair combs resembling tortoise shell, and chains used to hold charms made of Bakelite. One main issue with celluloid, however, is its flammable nature. As other plastics develop, fewer and fewer pieces of jewelry are made of celluloid.
BAKELITE
Bakelite is the next of the alternative fashion materials. Definition of bakeliteBakelite bangles available on etsy.com
Examples of Bakelite Jewelry Examples from cheaper99.com of Bakelite jewelry
LUCITE
Difference between lucite and acrylic by acme plastic.com
History of Lucite Handbags In the late 1940s, a new plastic, Lucite comes onto the scene big time. Its designs are not anonymous, but there are lucite purses by noted designers such as Rialto, Llewellyn, Patricia of Miami, Wilardy, Miami Handbags, and Myles Originals. Actually, they sell in for as little as $5 but also go up to $75. In fact, Hollywood stars are among the first to festoon these unusual bags.
Marilyn Monroe is adorned by the latest lucite in the film, Niagara.
For a detailed display of lucite handbags, go to the blog post 1950s Lucite Handbags Examples of Lucite handbags 1950s
THERMOPLASTIC
Two Generations of Outrageous Alternative Material Handbags From out of no where, and even the company employees don’t know when it came to be the Furla Brand Jelly Bag. Like nothing that came before it, and one resurrection since, this is one of my all time favorite handbags. Believed to be birthed in the third quarter of the 20th century, this Yellow school bag is a knockout.
Furla Jelly Bag In fact, Aldo’s daughter Giovanna gets the credit for the invention of the original jelly bag. Then there is a second generation, the re•candy bag.
Furla Re•candy Bag The Furla Re•candy Bag is currently one of the hottest fashion statements amongst young and Gen z women. In addition, this new Re•candy is totally recyclable. This is all due to the fact that this fine leatherware company has also a growing focus on recyclability and sustainability.
Most noteworthy are those designed for Women’s Fashion Week SS22 in Milan. This Furla Candy is a mini satchel bag made of recycled thermoplastic polyurethane gathered and restored using previously-produced materials. Furla-Re•candy exhibit at the 2022 Milan Fashion Week featured in a Town & Country article, photo courtesy of Furla.
ENAMEL METAL
I am a huge fan of what comes to be known as ‘flower power’. This is a jewelry type and lifestyle with acknowledgement by celebrities like Alan Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, and Mary Quant. Flower power, enamel metal contrasts traditional high end jewelry and chic lifestyles.
Just purchased, some flower power for me. Two pins, one with matching earrings. In fact jewelry is made using inexpensive metal, without any semi-precious or precious stones. None the less, the designs and colors are outstanding and simple. They are as popular today as when they represented the mood of the day and the philosophy of their time.
A VINTAGE PINK LUCITE PURSE HANDBAG WITH CLEAR ETCHED LID displays the whimsical touches that made Lucite pocketbooks so popular after the deprivations of World War II: an angular Art Deco body featuring shiny strands of gold and silver lame embedded between laminated layers of pink Lucite, lollipop handle, and transparent carved lid through which the bag’s hot pink lining is visible. It sells on eBay for $355 on May 5, 2020.
In the late 1940s, a new material called plastic or lucite is introduced. Actually, these bags become extremely popular.
In fact, already noted designers such as Rialto, Llewellyn, Patricia of Miami, Wilardy, Miami Handbags, and Myles Originals design and produce. To make them accessible to women at all income levels, they sell for as little as $5. But then they also go up to around $75.
Examples of Lucite Handbags
Examples of Lucite handbags 1950s
“Women of all ages carry these bags, now works of art,” quotes Frank Maresca, coauthor with Robert Gottlieb of A Certain Style, The Art of the Plastic Handbag 1949-59 (Knopf). “They come in shapes such as beehives, lanterns, and hatboxes, and embellished with rhinestones, colored glass, pearls, and shells.”
Other Examples of Lucite Handbags As mentioned earlier several well known designer are also responsible for lucite handbags designs. They include Rialto, Llewellyn, Patricia of Miami, Wilardy, Miami Handbags, and Myles Originals. Regarding this are examples below.
Other samples of 1950s Lucite Handbags from Charles S. Kahn, Wilardy, and Florida Handbags
Traditional stainless steel Celtic knot Kladdagh ring from faire.com
Vintage costume jewelry has always been my preference over precious and even semi-precious stone jewelry.
For example, I am not a fan of the diamond engagement ring. In addition whenever family jewelry needed dividing between siblings, an ordeal followed.
Therefore, I am perfectly happy with what I collect now. In fact, I prefer to make my purchases from the second vintage category for very reasonable prices.
VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY
Most recently I am being creative with a project called ‘The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories’. As part of this project, I am making use of collectible handbags and vintage jewelry. At last I have a way for these things to stop gathering dust. They also are looking rather artistic while still wearable.
English Bone ChinaOrange Laura Ashley straw bag with bone chine brooch decor
I am also learning about various categories of vintage costume jewelry. A very popular vintage category is English bone china brooches.
Since they are so delicate, they tend to have small chips on them. Due to that I do not mind using them as decor on handbags rather than as brooches. Learn more about the history of bone china brooches at this link.
English bone china brooch by Stafforshire (top row second from left belowEnglish bone china brooches from Yahoo
Enameled Metal Another very popular combination of materials is enameled metal or molded steel with enamel paint. The technique and the look are very different from bone china. There is a simplicity and affordability to this jewelry that contrasts previous conservative ornate styles. Most enamel metal brooches are based on a daisy but in very bright, simple colors.(2)
In fact this generation of jewelry is termed ‘flower power’ by beatnick Allen Ginsberg. Designer Mary Quant is the poster girl for this period. Most impressive is the artwork by Andy Warhowl that represents this period, the 1960s. Besides these details there is no documentation of the period’s majority of designers or manufacturers.(1) Instead, as a reference one seller describes them in the following way.
Retro vibrant enameled floral brooch popular in the mid 1900’s is available on ebay.Vibrant colored enamel metal brooches is from mid 1900’s and available on ebay
More about Vintage Costume Jewelry
A simple and very typical enameled metal brooch festoons a light green purse, designer unnamed
At left is an example of an enamel metal brooch on a purse from an unnamed designer.
In fact, this daisy brooch is one of the most popular designs made. It is available in all kinds of color combinations and can be purchased at ebay online(2).
Next are examples of Russian folk art known as Palekh lacquer miniatures. The top one is a rectangular box. Another is a round box. The third is a brooch. Note that the larger box and the brooch are signed and in excellent condition(3).
Below is a purse with a single Russian pin for focus and emphasis.
Handbag with Russian Lacquer PinContrast and complement are shown here of a Stuart Weitzman(4) purse with a lacquered pin
A vintage bag from a local thrift store with vintage jewel and crafts ornamentation.
The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories is the marriage of vintage handbags and vintage costume jewelry. In addition, the collection has hand applied ornamentation, each piece is one-of-a-kind, as well as great looking.
I am a collector. For many years I have accumulated vintage pocketbooks, jewelry, hats and other knick-knacks. Lately, I have decided to streamline and consolidate my collections.
Creating Works of Art As a result, I am using them to create works of art whenever possible. In a previous post I describe how an entire ensemble can grow from a Bling It! combination of a vintage purse and vintage necklace. It is the inspiration for all the Be Jeweled Handbags that follow. Black patent basic bag blinged for fun and excitement. This purse is the first creation in the Be Jeweled Collection.
HOW I PAIR BAGS AND ORNAMENTATION
The pairing process of bags and ornamentation is spontaneous and intuitive. I have so many of each component that I don’t know how else I would combine them or which would inspire what any other way.
Ornamentation StorageRainbow colored 8-drawer taboret from Michaels.
My ornaments are kept in a rainbow plastic taboret from Michael’s. In fact, I don’t know how I would store all my ornaments without it.
I store all kinds of ornaments here. Actually there are colorful buttons, pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and individual beads or parts from broken items.
In spite of my desire to keep these things organized, it is difficult to do so. But at least it is neat. The third drawer is all full of earrings. So at least that is one orderly drawer.
Pocketbooks Display and Storage
There are a variety of homes for my pocket book collection. Some are hung on the wall. I display others on a DVD shelving unit while others need to be temporarily stored in the closet. They do get very dusty when I leave them out for display. So I have to prep them with a good dusting before I decorate them. This is actually a bit of a nuisance. But the results are truly worth it. Handbags displayed on the wall with a Bill Blass tablecloth background. Bag on left decorated with a necklace, middle decorated with an acrylic floral pin, and right decorated with my favorite colorful acrylic Confetti brand buttons.
INTRODUCTION TO BE JEWELED COORDINATESA black patent vintage purchase is the creative canvas for the stunning purse. Outfits of Be Jeweled Coordinates are taking off on this summer’s fashion scene for me. These Be Jeweled Coordinates are composed of up to four components and even more:
1. A vintage ‘canvas’ to apply coordinated decor like the black patent thrift store bag shown here
2. BLING (decor) to apply to the handbag (canvas)
3. A coordinated find at a thrift store
4. A new coordinated article of clothing, shoes, or handbag to tie it all together
#1 HANDBAG AS CREATIVE CANVAS
In fact, everything in the coordinated ensemble featured here came together serendipitously. This blog post actually illustrates how my years of collecting these components is starting to result individually in great sets of Be Jeweled Coordinates.
In this example, this black patent vintage purchase is the creative canvas for this stunning purse that ties the entire ensemble together. I can’t remember where or when I purchased this simple but attractive black patent leather bag most likely at a thrift store.
#2 BLING IT!
Bling is a necklace that can only be described in this extreme now popular manner of bling. It lay on my dresser all by itself until the moment occurred. Yes, I would use it to make a Bling bag.
The result is a Be Jeweled very bling handbag.
Back patent basic bag blinged for fun, excitement, and even glamour.
This process actually reminds me of a Lego construction process except that each piece has a totally unique source. When put together, they result in a stunning casual, even dressy theme ti build upon.
Until I realized the kind of look I wanted for this ensemble, I put the bag aside like dough to rise for a loaf of bread. When the time was right, it spoke to me. Bling.
#3 COORDINATE IT!
A Be Jeweled top from an unknown purchase source but available at Forever21.com
It seemed like I started seeing blinged decor everywhere. In fact, at a thrift store or free clothing outlet was this great bling patterned top.
I had to have it because I knew it was part of the building blocks for a Bling It! coordinated outfit. Then just to show how onto the trail I was for a full Bling It! look, a pair of sandals appeared .
#4 BLING IT! FROM HEAD TO TOE
Oka B sandals found at For the Love of Shoes NY
Then the final step in this serendipitous gather is a pair of Oka B sandals at For the Love of Shoes NY that I happened to see while on a search for another pair of shoes. They are indeed Bling Shoes.
It’s like the cherry on top of the sundae except from the bottom up. But the look is complete and very appealing.
CONCLUSION: THE ENSEMBLE
The complete Be Jeweled Ensemble handbag, coordinated top and matching sandals.
Here you have it. The spontaneous building of a very Bling ensemble. It starts with a blank canvas, so to speak and builds from there. The end result is a Be Jeweled Coordinated outfit that brings out the bling for summer.
Wedtrend Women’s Vintage Tea Dress, Short Sleeve Cocktail Party Dress Work Church Casual Dress shown at left
My Mother could be described as living a bohemian lifestyle. This was at a time when other mothers are taking their fashion trends as well as lifestyle tips from the Donna Read Show closet. This was not the only unique thing about her lifestyle.
In addition these cultural oddity did spill over into her children’s lives to a greater or lesser degree. In fact we three were creative, artistic, musical, theatrical, and one highly successful businessman and college instructor.
My Mom’s Bohemian Wardrobe
Plaid Bermuda shorts from etsy.com
In contrast to the typical mom’s everyday lifestyle, my mother wore Bermuda shorts, high socks, and loafer.
In fact when she wore her signature outfit and it was chilly out, she still kept the top down on her convertible. To keep warm, she just kept the heat on. When it was warm out the socks and loafers were replaced by Greenwich Village tie-up-to-the-knee-sandals.
Proud of My Mother
I remember a sense of pride in my mother’s unique wardrobe. Even more so, her youthful figure allowed her to look great in whatever she wore. In fact, other mothers looked more like grandmothers compared to my mother’s figure and fashions. She was only twenty two years older than me. At 28 my mother is still a youthful, slender, energetic mother with three young children.
Knit One/Pearl One/Smoke Zero When my mother needed to quit smoking, she took up the life long art of knitting. According to the woman who owned the local knitting store, her stitches were as even as a machine. But the results were 100% handmade for family only. And everyone of our growing family was a beneficiary of her talent.
A Set of Knitting Needles set in a Unique Holder, A Variety of Sizes, A Great Collection of Vintage Knitting Needles from Etsy.com
Eating Habits There are many out-of-the-ordinary foods that my mother brings into the house that even we kids will not eat such as head cheese. Her eating habits are bohemian way beyond ours. But on the other hand we never would eat the ever popular peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. What I still love is the bohemian lifestyle olive and cream cheese sandwich.
olive and cream cheese sandwiches from Jason Wilson/Taste of Home
Politics In addition, she was committed to liberal politics. In 1956 Long Beach NY starts a local League of Women Voters. Imagine who is the first president of our Chapter? None other than my mother. She resigns before the end of her four year term to make room for our year trip to Italy.
Long Beach NY League of Women Voters
Not A Typical Mother
By now it is clear that one cannot describe my mother as a typical stay home mom. Due to the untimely death of my father when I was six, the life of my mother as a widow makes a dramatic turn. There is now plenty of room for her Bohemianism spirit to emerge. As tragic as my father’s death is, this singular event makes room for her bohemian lifestyle. And it did blossom in many directions.
A Bohemian Lifestyle Motherhood was never my mother’s strong suit or greatest joy. Therefore bohemian would describe her more accurately. She was able to express a her love of culture, endless curiosity and tireless adventure for at least the ten years she was a single mother. The fact that she had three children and a dog did not slow her down.
A ride on an elephant in India during my mother’s trip around the world while in 1963.
Second Marriage When she remarries, she still is not a stay at home mom. But she becomes a business owner. At least this gives her an outlet for her bohemian lifestyle in a subtler manner. She funnels it into entrepreneurship for many years until her untimely passing at sixty five. But in those years she lived many lives compared to most stay at home moms. She definitely lived a bohemian lifestyle.
My mother’s six week trip around the world included a ride on an elephant in India.
When I was fourteen years old, my mother took a trip around the world. It actually lasted six weeks. Unlike our move to Italy that lasted for an entire school year, we kids did not go on this adventure. In addition I think she would have gone for longer if circumstances were different.
The group tour was originally designed to include Asia and the Far East. But due to unrest between Russia and the United States, the trip took a detour to central Europe. Instead of going to Russia, she and her traveling companion went to Paris. I doubt my mother was very disappointed. That was because her favorite city in the world was Paris.
Start the Tour
Real Hawaii but canned pineapple juice.
But let me not get ahead of myself. The first stop on my mother’s trip around the world was Hawaii. Actually that tropical paradise did not impress her. I remember her commenting about getting canned not fresh pineapple juice. That experience crossed Hawaii off her pleasure list.
On to Asia
The years erased trinkets and photos from our family possessions. But memories do exist. I remember photos of my mother in Japan with cherry blossoms and Japanese temples. Unfortunately gone from from my jewelry box, I also remember a turquoise ring from Thailand.
A stock photo of cherry blossoms and temples from alamy.com
Clearly this trip made nowhere near the impression on me that our family experience in Italy made. What stayed was the impression of my mother’s absence rather than our inclusion on an International trip.
The Conclusion in Paris
Hermes silk scarf
The cherry on the top of my mother’s trip-around-the world was the last minute detour to Paris. That was the real treat for my mother: Hermes, The Eifel Tower, Escargo.
Roman Holiday staring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck made in Rome in 1953 from imdb.com
Here are several popular American movies made in Rome from around the time of our Italian residence.
Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, and Eddie Albert is the first of one of these popular American movies made in Rome. Because its screen play writer Dalton Trumbo is on the Hollywood blacklist at that time, a pseudonym exists for the writer.
Whenever I see one of these films, I feel like I go back to my days living in Rome. In fact, it is great fun to call out the names of the famous buildings, monuments, and sights as they show up.
In fact, the very humorous and popular hand disappearing scene from the famous Turkish Netflix Series is an exact duplicate of that scene in Roman Holiday. Black Money Love.
Three Coins in a Fountain
Another very popular film slightly later than the 1960’s has the same famous Roman sights and scenes. This film is equally as famous as Roman Holiday. With a star studded cast and glorious pictures of Rome, it immortalizes the Trevi fountain where coins are thrown to make wishes come true.
Gidget Goes to Rome
This film has all the famous sights of these other films in this chapter. But it targets a younger more innocent teen audience.
Gidget Goes to Rome, a 1963 release.
Rome Adventure This film has a steamy sexual theme for that time. The stars include three very popular stars from that time. They are Troy Donahue, Suzzanne Pleshette, and Angie Dickenson.
Rome Adventure from 1962 with several hot stars and topics.
The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone. Actually this is a British film. It also has a dark side that none of the other films do. But anything with scenes of Rome is always a welcome treat.
The British film, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone released in 1961.
Christmas season in Rome brought out the best of the city. Getting the taffy made in Piazza Navona Christmas Market was our favorite activity. Shown here are the evening Festivities.
Another tradition and part of Christmas Season in Rome is one that I remember well. It is what Romans do on New Year’s Eve. It is actually throwing old things out the window into the streets at midnight. To us kids it seemed like a very strange thing to do. But for Romans, it was a perfectly natural way to bring in the new year. In fact the most amazing part of all was the clean up first thing on New Year’s Day. How different that was from things back in New York.
Throwing out old things on New Year’s Eve from Toledoblade.com
What does throwing away old things mean in Italian New Year?
Throwing away old things, or at least some of them, even if only symbolically, is another Italian New Year’s tradition. A superstition, symbolizing the abandonment of the past. In ancient times, this ritual was put into practice by throwing old things out the window.
There is nothing like the charm of how other countries do everyday activities and celebrate special occasions. In fact some things are even more special when seen through the innocent eyes of youth. Actually in the year that we spent living in Rome, just about everything was a novelty to us.
Almost nothing had become a habit is such a short time. As a matter of fact, the only thing that was a repeat was sailing on the SS Constitution twice. The first time was when we sailed on it going to Italy. Then the second time was sailing on it was when we returned to New York.
The conclusion to our living in Rome comes much too quickly. Actually it is only after one school year. In fact, we are just settling in to living into our new home abroad. I can not see any sensible reason to depart since so many exciting things are happening in Rome.
We are there right before the start of the 1960 Summer Olympics. Apparently one of the reasons for departure is that the beach is too far from our apartment to maintain both a summer coastal residence and our Rome rented apartment.
In my mind, our family home on Long Island could bring rental income to cover the added expense to stay in Italy longer. Considering my mother’s extraordinary feat in arranging almost a year in Italy, none of the reasons we were given for leaving Italy made enough sense to my eleven year old mind.
Olympic Excitement Since then and as an adult I have discovered the primary reason for leaving. She (my grandmother) who controls the money, controls the itinerary. But my sadness still overshadows any answer that could come. Unfortunately the budget dictated a return to New York.
But there was some fun but less novelty on the same ocean liner. Otherwise I am not happy to return to the same neighborhood, to the same family house, and the same controlling environment. Otherwise, I feel like I am in a different world. I had to face so much change in my outside world from such a short absence.
S.S. Constitution, American Export Lines, by Tichnor Brothers, c. 1950s, from the Digital Commonwealth – 1 commonwealth 8g84mw21v.
Not a Happy Return
In just one year, I had become an outsider, a stranger, a foreigner. In fact these are clear signs of this. I talked funny. In other words, I did not sound like a New Yorker anymore. In addition, I had entered puberty. That in itself caused all kinds of confusion for me. Children who were my childhood friends had lost interest in stoop ball and tree climbing. They were ready to explore sexual interests instead. But I still wanted both worlds.
Besides social pressures, all kinds of educational tests were thrust upon me to determine my placement for second language classes that start in junior high school. All the other students had done this in sixth grade, the same year I lived in Italy. Being out of sync educationally made me feel even more like an outsider.
To Be Blunt, I Am Different
But it is not a comfortable different either. After testing I am tracked to study Spanish rather than French as a second language. I actually feel relief but also face an extra challenge. Because of my previous year learning to speak Italian, in and out of school, Spanish and Italian are now confusing to me.
Gemen Wooden PuzzlesContinually, I would interject Italian words into my Spanish studies. This cropped up especially when trying to count numbers.
For example, the number five always came out as ‘cinque’ (Italian) instead of ‘cinco’ (Spanish). After studying Spanish for four years, that confusion did go away. But to this day, I remember both words.
In Conclusion In spite of our abrupt conclusion to living in Rome, I am certain of one thing. It is that I must have some of the sense of adventure from my mother’s DNA. This is because of one undeniable fact. Even though living in Italy was short lived, it is definitely to this day one of the best and most unique experiences of my entire life.
Gidget Goes to Rome, a 1963 release.
