Beaded Bags, often in metal and even steel beads.
980782: This dainty geometric beauty is beaded in tiny (24 per inch) metal (not steel) round beads electroplated in pink, electric blue and silver. Plated brass frame is marked "Made in France" and features cobalt blue stones in the acorns of the closure. There is some minor plating wear. New rose beige silk lining compliments the bag beautifully and preserves the original ruffled edge binding. Measures 7 1/2 x 4 inches. Excellent condition. SOLD for $255 in 2000

990179: Simply magnificent!! Peachy copper metal beaded bag marked "Made in France" on both frame and lining. Sought after oriental carpet type prayer rug design. I have never seen a bag in this color before. Beautiful lattice style Van Dyke fringe in brass, copper and silver beads. Newly replaced lining. Round loop 13" chain handle. Push button latch. Measures 5 3/4 x 8 1/2". SOLD for $285 in 1999

After WWII, France produced beautifully designed hard side beaded bags, often for US retailers.

C00038: Elegant 50’s Beaded Evening Bag by George Baring Paris. The many unique features include Pave’ Rhinestones embellishing the handle hardware and distinctive lift-up latch hardware (see detail.) The floral swag and scallop design on the front simulate an envelope flap. The bag is entirely covered in minute glass beads about half the size of modern beads. The gold metal frame is embossed in a vine and leaf pattern. The pale mint green satin lining is in excellent condition, but does show some lipstick stains on the bottom and slight discoloration. The lining and dual open pockets are corded in gold metal braid. The back of the bag in plain, solidly beaded in clear beads. Measures 9 ¼ x 2 ¾ x 5 ½”. SOLD

1950's fashion burgeoned in France and so did handbag design. Dofan and Dofanette produced spectacular leather bags that are highly sought after by collectors. Vanity bags of great beauty and complexity were sought after fashion accessories internationally.

B00187: Black leather Dofan France handbag with unusual Mobius Strip double leather handles. The solid rectangular gold lift-up latch open to a black mushroom vinyl interior with two open and one metal zip pocket. The lining is marked with the Dofan gold calf logo. Some slight surface wear. Measures 11 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 7 1/2". SOLD for $130 in 2003

August 1956 "Handbags & Accessories" pages 18-19 documents Paris Handbag fashions for winter.

"Mindful that handbags should be functional, the French imagination conjures up styles that are totally new. Whether in fine suede for dress, or in sport deldi for casual wear, all bear distinctive treatments. Note such features as a bird-like shape, a winged collar, a long, lean slung over the shoulder bag, a lid that lifts. Note jeweled frames, hand embroideries, use of rhinestone trims, of jeweled clasps."

990476: Stylish chestnut brown leather handbag with double loop handle front embellishment, held fast at the bottom with gold metal clips. Marked on the tan vinyl interior "Made in France Expressly for J,L, Hudson Company." This was the company whose original building was imploded in downtown Detroit recently. Some very minor flaws inside and out, but still a great bag in a lovely and unusual brown. Measures 11 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 7". SOLD for $30 in 2000

LaVedette de Paris B00071: LaVedette de Paris black suede cylindrical vanity bag illustrated on page 198 of "Vanity Bags" by Gerson. This unusual design features a bottom swivel that can raise the vanity to eye level. The 1/2 inch wide suede handle has a slide and swivels at the attachments to permit the lid to open unimpeded. The double click metal latch serves both to fasten the bag's lid and the loose powder compact contained within the lid. The compact includes the sifter but no puff and appears unused. Ingenious interior design features a slit for storing the Art Deco style fold up tortoise comb, which has unfortunately broken loose from its frame and too fragile to use. Its case however is exquisite. The bag was purchased on a honeymoon trip in the spring of 1948 and visited the Moulin Rouge and the Eiffel Tower with its owner! Includes the original boxes. It's a rare collector's bag. Measures 2 1/4 inches in diameter and 6 1/4 inches high and rises to 7 1/2 inch. SOLD for $175 in 2002

Minois Paris A00768: Minois Paris 50's vanity bag in black satin and suede. This is similar to the Minois bag illustrated on page 251 of "Vanity Bags" by Gerson. The snap tab latch opens to reveal a large open pocket to which the vanity case is permanently attached. The vanity features a loose powder compact with sifter, no puff, lipstick tube engraved in a floral design to match the lid of the powder compartment and a glass perfume bottle with the original rubber stopper. The bottle is marked made in France and fits into its own customized compartment. Beneath the spotless frame mounted mirror there is in niche for a small comb. The metal finish in this niche shows a chemical reaction and slight discolorations. The Vanity case snaps firmly closed. The fabric of the body itself so shows its age, but generally the condition is excellent on this beautifully designed piece. Measures 7 x 1 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches to the top of the handle. Value $225

Famous French Bag Makers: LOUIS VUITTON

A00574: An authentic Louis Vuitton Shoulder bag with saddlebag style. The front features a large buckle fastened pocket. The Back has a comparable open pocket. The brown leather interior of the center portion of the bag carries the incised mark “Louis Vuitton Paris Made in France.” The adjustable shoulder bag length leather strap is 30” long at its shortest adjustment. Slight signs of wear on the front leather potion of the buckle fastener, otherwise excellent condition. Measures 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 8”. SOLD for $275 in 2004

PARIS by Ann Marie: label address 228 Rue de Rivoli, Hotel Meurice, Paris. Hotel Meurice has a long history and it's likely Ann Marie's surrelist works were sold in a high fashion boutique setting in the hotel. The German commander used the hotel as headquarters during World War Two and Ann Marie's shop was part of the rebirth of Paris after the War. The hotel underwent a 2 year major rehabilitation in 2000.

An identical bag auctioned for $1900 in November 2000 at Doyle New York in their specialist auction.

961197: Stylish but wacky, this black suede Ice Bucket bag was made in Paris by Anne Marie. The illusion is complete with Champagne and Lucite Ice Cubes! Beautifully lined with clean black satin. A unique bag in excellent condition. Measures 6.5 x 3.75 x 7 inches. SOLD for $250 in 1998

Categories: Countries, Makers