Charlet Vintage Navy Crepe Evening Bag with Gilt Rose Frame
Pouch / Top Handle Evening Bag with Kiss-Lock Frame · Charlet (Paris/San Francisco); a mid-century boutique brand known for specialty evening accessories.
Collection: Mid-Century Evening Accessory Line; non-seasonal permanent boutique collection.
Style
Pouch / Top Handle Evening Bag with Kiss-Lock Frame
Brand
Charlet (Paris/San Francisco); a mid-century boutique brand known for specialty evening accessories.
Material
Navy Silk or Rayon Crepe fabric with a gathered, pleated construction; soft-body pouch design with an internal metal frame.
Dimensions
Width: 15-18cm (6-7"), Height: 12-15cm excluding handle (5-6"), Handle Drop: 12cm (5").
Description
An elegant mid-century evening pouch featuring a meticulously gathered navy crepe body that flows into a striking ornate gilt frame. The frame is the centerpiece, showcasing a romantic raised rose motif. The padded handle and soft silhouette reflect the 'New Look' era aesthetic of feminine, tactile evening accessories.
Key Features
Ornate rose-motif frame, gathered crepe drape, and the integrated fabric loop handle with gold ring attachments.
Material & Construction
Navy Silk or Rayon Crepe fabric with a gathered, pleated construction; soft-body pouch design with an internal metal frame.
Color & Pattern
Deep Navy Blue; solid color with a fine diagonal rib pattern in the crepe weave.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone/Antique Brass finish; ornate square kiss-lock frame featuring a central embossed rose and filigree border.
Interior Description
Likely lined in navy or cream satin; typically features one small mirror pocket and a brand label (Charlet).
Closure Type
Vintage Kiss-Lock (tension-based snap) with an ornate top-facing frame.
Strap & Handle Details
Single padded fabric top handle attached to the frame with large circular metal rings; non-adjustable.
Craftsmanship Details
Features intricate hand-gathered pleating at the frame attachment point and a securely mounted decorative metal faceplate.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of pleats, weight of the metal frame, and specific Charlet branding (inner stamp/tag would confirm).
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in France or the USA (Charlet distributed via high-end boutiques like I. Magnin).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / 1950s-1960s; evidenced by the textile choice and ornate floral frame hardware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the kiss-lock frame and fabric gathering.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII return to feminine elegance and the high importance of 'cocktail attire' in 1950s social culture.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; fabric shows minor dust and fiber attraction; hardware plating shows slight oxidation/vintage patina which adds character.
Value Estimate
$45 - $125 USD; value is highest when the fabric is pristine and original mirror or labels are present.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a breathable dust bag; avoid water as crepe can shrink or watermark; use a horsehair brush to remove lint.
Similar Handbags
Vintage Whiting & Davis mesh bags, Koret evening pouches, or Magid beaded bags.
Interesting Facts
Charlet was a popular mid-century label for cocktail and formal event bags, often sold in department stores that catered to socialites.
Notes
Charlet