Info on 80s Bag Manufacturer - Please Help?

50sVintage

50sVintage

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Hi Again Everyone,

Well this query is a bit different since I already know the name of the manufacturer of the subject handbag and date I bought it (1993). I never used the bag so last year I tried to auction it on eBay but received emails from viewers that they never heard of O'Dea and it would help my listing to give some information. Then, after a buyer who purchased an expensive Chanel necklace from me asked why was I asking so much for the bag, I realized I really needed to get information about the manufacturer to justify my attempt to recover at least a portion of my outlay. (I actually paid the $815 plus tax that is on the never-removed price tags). I started my (unsuccessful) auction at $399.

I'd like to list the bag again but not unless I can offer information of value to prospective buyers. I know the company went out of business by or about 1995 because I made a mental note when I no longer saw their bags at Saks and asked a clerk about it at the time. My current online research produced a contemporary Belinda O'Dea who didn't respond to emails and whose current bags sell for much less.

Can anyone help here??? Any information at all will be helpful.

With gratitude, as always, for everyone's input.

Mia

p.s. The bag is 100% silk and hand embroidered.







 
Hi Nicole,

Yes, I purchased it new directly from Saks in 1993.

My reference to the 80s was that, at some point, via Saks, I noticed the O'DEA bags. My memory is that they were manufacturing in the late 80s. This bag definitely was purchased in the early 90s by me but then the next thing I knew, again at Saks, one of the handbag saleswomen mentioned that O'DEA went out of business.

Of course, none of these dates or my memory on the issue became relevant until I noticed that the eBay viewers wanted more info.

Anything at all that anyone might offer on this line would be oh-so-helpful.

Thanks!
 
Well, thanks for trying, Carrie. Now you have an idea what a time of it I've had! I went ahead and listed it again, without expecting a bid, but hoping information might yet surface that I can add.

Cheers.

Mia
 
Here's your man. From Women's Wear Daily, July 19, 1991:

NEW YORK -- Dressy bags are getting a softer, warmer look for holiday, in textured velvets, gray flannel and scotch plaids with jewels and ornamentation.
Patrick O'Dea has taken his own direction for special occasion bags, creating a line of needlepoint designs that wholesale for $275 to $425.
O'Dea launched his own line in 1986 when he perceived a gap in the handcrafted bag market. He started with Italian silk fabric bags with handmade hardware.

There's more to the article, but you have to sign up for a free trial to the research service. It's here.

Just don't forget to cancel it right away!

Hope that helps you recoup some $$$s.

Sarah
 
Sara - Thank You SOOOO Much! Egads, how long did it take you to find that?? I looked for hours and came across nothing.

Many thanks again!!

Mia

:drinking2:
 
Sarah - I have to thank you again.

Yours was a fine bit of research. Of course, if a designer were to be found anywhere, he would be found in the archives of WWD.

This Forum is terrific.

Mia:drinking2:
 
This Forum is indeed terrific but this didn't actually take me that long Mia, so I can't take too much credit! Sometimes the Google Gods are with you, sometimes they ain't. Just struck lucky. :sunshine:

Sarah
 
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