What a Gem!

 Is what you'll say when you see this joyous, jewel-encrusted purse from Texas designer Enid Collins.

The terrific tote also has a sturdy wood bottom. 

Born in 1918 and growing up in San Antonio, Enid majored in fashion design at Texas Woman’s University. She married Frederic Collins, a sculptor, in 1941. After World War II, they purchased a ranch near Medina, Texas. The first purses Enid designed were leather and brass creations made as gifts for friends or as souvenirs for local dude ranches. In 1946, Neiman Marcus began to carry the bags. Two years later, the company "Collins of Texas" was incorporated. The all-leather bags were pricey, so Enid also began producing more affordable canvas totes trimmed in leather. As orders poured in, in 1959, the Collins opened a factory in Medina. In the early sixties, Enid introduced a unique purse made from a wooden box. Her whimsical designs featured bright silkscreened images garnished with glittering jewels, golden coins, and gleaming brass. 

All of the purses designed by Enid feature her name or her initials, "EC," as found on this bag.

 

In 1970, the Collins divorced and Enid sold her copyrighted designs to the leather company, Tandy. Although Tandy continued to make bags through the 1970s, the company used only the "Collins" name or "C."

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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