See You Later, Ligator. . . .

. . . . in a while, crocodile!

But you won't want to wait to see this beautiful vintage Italian purse. Elegant, yet sizable, this drawstring tote combines high fashion with utility. 

The haute handbag comes with its original dust bag, which carries the name of "Acutis Pelletterie."

Inside are two tags, one engraved "Piero Acutis Made in Italy" and the other, with an image of a crocodile, states "Ligator di Vero Coccodrillo," which translates to "ligator of crocodile skin." Ligator is a process in which genuine crocodile or alligator skin is treated, dyed, polished to a high gloss, then backed with leather. The Acutis Pelletterie was founded in 1942 in Turin (Torino). A family-run atelier, Acutis soon gained a reputation for craftsmanship and the use of fine and costly materials. However, the third generation did not want to continue in the family's leather goods business; the company was subsequently purchased by another Italian premium leather company, Trakatan, which combines the traditional craftsmanship of Acutis with modern design.

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

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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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