Seeking information on a Lilly Dache clutch please

NomagirlVintage

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Dear VFG members,
I have enjoyed being a fan of your site for a couple of years and have appreciated the information and sharing of great vintage wares. This being my first post, a little about me - I am one of many who believe I was born 40 years too late. I have a love for all things 20th-century vintage, from housewares and appliances to industrial items to fashion. I love the graphics of old advertising and appreciate the design aesthetic of even the most mundane, utilitarian items. I am a complete novice when it comes to vintage fashion. Well, enough about me. I hope someone here can help me date this fabulous Lilly Dache clutch. Also, the only flaws I can find in this "like new" example is it seems to be missing a comb, and is missing the zipper pull from the inside compartment. Does anyone know what these should look like? I found the bag at a rural tag sale - literally in a barn - among a box of miscellaneous bags, backpacks and totes marked "your choice, $1 EA". Many thanks in advance, and I look forward to getting to know all of you better. Cheers! LillyDClutch.JPGLillyDClutch2.JPGLillyDClutch3.JPGLillyDClutch.JPGLillyDClutch2.JPGLillyDClutch3.JPGLillyDClutch4.JPGLillyDClutch5.JPG
 
Welcome, Nomagirl--you're in good "born too late" company here!

Congrats on the find. I love the striped lining and scallop-shaped clasp to your clutch. Between the label and the colorway of the lining, I get an earlier 50s vibe. I did a bit of sleuthing and it turns out that Lilly Dache timed the expansion of her boutique in 1952 to the start of the holiday season--it included lots of non-millinery items--purses, home decor, gifts for men, etc., so her accessories do go back that far.

We know it can't be post 1967 at any rate, because she moved from the 78 East 56th st address that year!
 
Jonathan & Carrie - clearly a case of great minds thinking alike...
Thanks to both of you for the welcome and the information. I have actually used this lovely bag for a couple of special occasions. It was a great conversation starter both times.
Any insight at all about what the zipper pull might have been, or whether the comb was something special? One last question, the mirror is cloudy. Would you recommend replacing it or leaving it alone?
Thanks again, and I'll be sure to check out your blogs, sites, and stores.
~Pam
 
Dear VFG members,
I have enjoyed being a fan of your site for a couple of years and have appreciated the information and sharing of great vintage wares. This being my first post, a little about me - I am one of many who believe I was born 40 years too late. I have a love for all things 20th-century vintage, from housewares and appliances to industrial items to fashion. I love the graphics of old advertising and appreciate the design aesthetic of even the most mundane, utilitarian items. I am a complete novice when it comes to vintage fashion. Well, enough about me. I hope someone here can help me date this fabulous Lilly Dache clutch. Also, the only flaws I can find in this "like new" example is it seems to be missing a comb, and is missing the zipper pull from the inside compartment. Does anyone know what these should look like? I found the bag at a rural tag sale - literally in a barn - among a box of miscellaneous bags, backpacks and totes marked "your choice, $1 EA". Many thanks in advance, and I look forward to getting to know all of you better. Cheers!View attachment 20319View attachment 20320View attachment 20321View attachment 20319View attachment 20320View attachment 20321View attachment 20322View attachment 20323
I agree with Jonathan...I think this is an older label. What material is the purse made from? The black looks to be wool, but couldn't tell for sure. It's absolutely wonderful and congrats to you for finding such a little treasure....and, of all places, in a barn!
 
Bonnie,
It is a very soft tightly woven wool with a nice sheen to it. The lining is satin. It was indeed a lucky find in such wonderful condition, no smells or stains or any visible wear to speak of. It only took removing a bit of dust for it to look perfect.
 
What color is the metal of the zipper? My hunch is simply that, since this is an envelope style clutch, the zipper pull would have been made from the same metal as t he zipper.

I can't see the mirror in your pictures--does it slip in and out of the little pouch (in the picture that shows the attached coin purse too)? If it's marked Lilly Dache or is attached to any fabric in the purse, I personally wouldn't replace it. But otherwise--especially if you're hoping to have a purse mirror you can actually see into--why not? :)
 
Hi Carrie,
The zipper itself is black, but there is a brass jump ring still attached. No way to know if it is original or was a replacement at some point. Is it possible the pull could have been fashioned from the lining fabric? The mirror is attached to fabric. The back of it is shown on the left hand side of the photo with the coin purse - I couldn't get a good shot of the mirror itself without glare.
Thanks.
 
Bonnie,
It is a very soft tightly woven wool with a nice sheen to it. The lining is satin. It was indeed a lucky find in such wonderful condition, no smells or stains or any visible wear to speak of. It only took removing a bit of dust for it to look perfect.
I suspected that it was wool from your photos....and, finding it where you did, it's a miracle the moths didn't do a number on it! It's a great little bag. I really like Lilly Dache....I have a lovely hat with the older label that is in my personal collection.
 
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