Though in today's opinion, plastics are considered cheap, low quality products, this was not always so! Just after WWII thermoplastics were developed and became all the rage. These plastics spilled over into modern fashion. Soon designers turned to sturdy plastics, like Lucite, to create unique, one of a kind handbags.
Created in 1931 by the American chemical company DuPont, Lucite is a
durable acrylic material made from polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA. It quickly became a suitable replacement for the more commonly used plastics, such as Bakelite and Catalin, becasue of it's low density, and high strength. Though it was mostly in military applications during World War II, Lucite was adapted for use in ladies jewelry and accessories during the late 1940's.
Various New York handbag companies decided to join in and released lines of Lucite purses, including
Llewelyn, Maxim, Rialto, Shoreham, Tyrolean, Venzer, Charles Foster,
Arnold Originals, and Gilli Originals.
By the time 1950 hit, Miami Beach's sun filled vacation spots, and superior nightlife had made it the "IT" place for wealthy American vacationers and the perfect spot to sell Lucite bags. Many new
Florida based manufacturers were soon born, such as Myles
Originals, Charles S. Kahn, Bags By Benné, Patricia of Miami, Florida
Handbags, and Wiesner.
These unique handbags can still be found today, some in pristine usable condition. They have that rich luxury that only Vintage pieces can offer!
There are many great resources to learn more
