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What makes an item of vintage fashion an heirloom?
The term means different things to different people. To me, after selling vintage for over ten years, heirlooms are objects that were treasured when made and are even more valued today. Timeless design, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship are just the minimum requirements.
True heirlooms make you feel something. Something close to your heart. The shape, the color, the sparkle, or even just a memory. Something so treasured by those in the past and worthy of passing on to future generations.
Recently, we pursued our vintage collection and came up with our list of 11 heirloom vintage treasures to gift or get for yourself this holiday season, This collection includes exquisite jewelry, an impeccable handbag, plus stylish clothing, and accessories. We hope you enjoy our selections.
The Napier Company was a leader in high-quality costume jewelry. The company at the forefront of fashion and design, had a history of sending its designers to Europe for ideas and inspiration.
This collection of silver plate jewelry is one of the most outstanding Napier lines from the 1950s. Elaborately designed with scrollwork and silver beading with large faceted blue topaz rhinestones that really sparkle. The necklace, clip earrings, and bracelet are from an Atlanta estate. Each piece is striking on its own and all three work together beautifully. Lavish enough for nighttime, each piece also works well for day wear.
One of the most elegant handbags we have ever seen. Rich burgundy leather bag designed in an architectural style. The main compartment is suspended within the openwork border. Double handles. Stamped Pierre Cardin Paris, Made in France.
A truly unique and collectible Archie Eason hat. Asymmetric straw hat with large silk rose on the hatband. Delicate straw netting covers the entire top of the hat. makes this one a real stunner. Each Eason millinery creation was one of a kind and tagged with his legendary green sequin. Read our blog post about this innovative milliner.
This breathtaking 1930s lace gown is a classic movie star look. Made of sheer black lace.this gown has a fitted bodice with a flowing skirt. Flattering ¾ dolman sleeves. The back of this beautiful gown has a column of 22 small buttons in matching lace. A coordinating black slip dress underneath may be worn separately. Amazingly this dress is in excellent shape.
This gold plated floral bracelet by Coro, known as the “Carmen Miranda”, is one of the rarest pieces of costume jewelry. This openwork statement bracelet features a lush design of large rhinestone camellias and daises with glass cabochon centers in red, blue, and green. Rhinestone pave petals surround the cabochon centers with green enameled leaves hanging on the gold stems.
Named for Miranda after the bracelet made an appearance in the 1949 movie A Date With Judy.
Claude Saint-Cyr was one of the most important milliners of the 20th century. Known for her innovative materials and designs, the most fashionable women of the day wore her label.
In 1951, Saint-Cyr created a collection of hats made from traditional French Aubusson tapestry. This innovative collaboration between Saint-Cyr and her husband, interior designer Georges Martin, was inspired after Martin recovered the chairs in Saint-Cyr’s salon. Saint-Cyr named the first collection Aubusson. Only 160 tapestry hats were made over the next four years. She trained the weavers, accustomed to making carpets, on how to build a hat and use finer weaves. We were able to obtain a small collection of these hats at an auction in Paris. Read our blog post on Saint Cyr.
Luxurious vintage Hermes scarf in dark blue, gold, and green. Titled Cannes et Pommeaux by Françoise De La Perriere, this scarf features a beautiful design of walking sticks and riding crops. The top pommels are carved in various styles such as doe’s heads ducks, and rings. Silk twill with a hand-rolled edge. Originally released in 1985.
We hope you enjoy shopping this special collection. With hundreds of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces in stock, we encourage you to start your own heirloom legacy to be loved by future generations.
Photos copyright © 2022 MadgesHatbox Vintage. We are a proud member of Got Vintage. Check out their website.