It isn’t often that novelty fashion items are made from materials of the utmost quality. But when it came to Lucite handbags, these things were meant to turn heads, offer enough storage space to make a pack rat envious, and, most importantly – they were made to last.
These fashionable, durable, and often elegant handbags were all the rage in the 1950s, offering quality construction in a lightweight bag that served almost as a mobile dressing room, which is why they were often referred to as “carry-alls” and “vanities.” Most came with a built-in makeup mirror, and other handy storage areas for combs, compacts, and even built-in cigarette cases.
But, utility and durability aside, it was the variety of styles and materials that made these bags so appealing to the fashionable lady. Everything from filigree fasteners to metal basketweave designs were available – oh, and plenty of rhinestones – truckloads of rhinestones. And if space-age designs were more your thing, there was always the see-through versions. Simply choose a scarf that matches your outfit to wrap the contents of your Lucite handbag, and your privacy was kept intact while showing you off in all your stylish glory.
As the years went on, Lucite handbag designers kept pushing the fashion envelope to the extreme and the styles began to border on the bizarre – a glow in the dark interior, for example, so that you could find your accessories easily in a dimly lit movie theater. Furthermore, the high cost of manufacturing these bags led to an onslaught of mass-produced imitators that sacrificed quality for low price. And with the lowering of quality, came the eventual demise of the style.
But for the earlier Lucite handbags, the ones that were made to last, many (not surprisingly) still exist and have become highly sought by determined collectors. A handcrafted bag from the 50s can fetch more than a respectable price online and still look as luxurious today as it ever did. Never underestimate the staying power of a quality, handmade item, especially one as great looking as a Lucite handbag.
These fashionable, durable, and often elegant handbags were all the rage in the 1950s, offering quality construction in a lightweight bag that served almost as a mobile dressing room, which is why they were often referred to as “carry-alls” and “vanities.” Most came with a built-in makeup mirror, and other handy storage areas for combs, compacts, and even built-in cigarette cases.
But, utility and durability aside, it was the variety of styles and materials that made these bags so appealing to the fashionable lady. Everything from filigree fasteners to metal basketweave designs were available – oh, and plenty of rhinestones – truckloads of rhinestones. And if space-age designs were more your thing, there was always the see-through versions. Simply choose a scarf that matches your outfit to wrap the contents of your Lucite handbag, and your privacy was kept intact while showing you off in all your stylish glory.
As the years went on, Lucite handbag designers kept pushing the fashion envelope to the extreme and the styles began to border on the bizarre – a glow in the dark interior, for example, so that you could find your accessories easily in a dimly lit movie theater. Furthermore, the high cost of manufacturing these bags led to an onslaught of mass-produced imitators that sacrificed quality for low price. And with the lowering of quality, came the eventual demise of the style.
But for the earlier Lucite handbags, the ones that were made to last, many (not surprisingly) still exist and have become highly sought by determined collectors. A handcrafted bag from the 50s can fetch more than a respectable price online and still look as luxurious today as it ever did. Never underestimate the staying power of a quality, handmade item, especially one as great looking as a Lucite handbag.
