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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Marvelous Mesh Mandalian

This exquisite enamel antique handbag is from Mandalian Manufacturing Company, founded by Turkish immigrant Sahatiel Gabrabed Mandalian. Coming to the United States in 1890, in 1906 he entered into a partnership with Eugene A. Hawkins and started producing mesh bags as Mandalian and Hawkins. Mandalian became the sole owner of the company in 1915. Some say that the intricate designs on his handbags reflect the traditional designs found on rugs woven in his native Turkey. Of beautifully crafted metalwork with the company's patented "Lustro-Pearl" finish, this pretty purse would be a prize for any collector of vintage clothing or the perfect accessory for a Halloween flapper costume.

Mandalian was granted 14 patents from 1921 to 1935. While most concern improvements in the manufacturing and enameling of mesh bags and accessories, he also received patents for 

tap dancing shoes and an improved movie projection screen. 

Mandalian's sturdy and colorful purses were popular in the 1920s and 30s. In 1944 the company was sold to rival purse maker Whiting and Davis.

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

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Iconic

It is not often that beauty and utility can be combined in one object, but this large and lovely  shoulder bag is as artsy as it is useful.  By the Los Angeles company Icon, this fine-quality leather purse has all-season styling, which makes it the perfect year-round accessory, from a carry-on for a summer vacation flight to attending the office holiday party.

Icon entered the fashion scene with a flourish in 1999 by introducing the first of its art-printed leather products, the Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Sneaker.  Icon incorporates classic and contemporary art works on its high-quality fine-fashion leather shoes, handbags, and accessories. Using only licensed art pieces, Icon's products are produced in limited quantities, ranging from 50 to 200 pieces per style.  So purse is both uncommon and collectible.  

This unusual and unique accessory is in excellent condition and comes with its own protective Icon storage bag.  It is truly next to new and it is on offer at Next-to-New for far less than its original retail price!  It is the perfect purchase for a fashion icon.