Vintage Roberta di Camerino Petit Velvet Pouch in Crimson Tortoise and Leaf Pattern
Clutch / Pouch / Minaudière. It features a classic 'Doctor Bag' style frame in a miniature coin-purse silhouette. · Roberta di Camerino, founded by Giuliana Coen in Venice, Italy. A luxury heritage brand known for trompe l’oeil designs and high-tier Italian craftsmanship.
Collection: 1960s-1970s Frame Clutch Collection. This represents the brand's permanent interest in velvet textures and unique resin frames.
Style
Clutch / Pouch / Minaudière. It features a classic 'Doctor Bag' style frame in a miniature coin-purse silhouette.
Brand
Roberta di Camerino, founded by Giuliana Coen in Venice, Italy. A luxury heritage brand known for trompe l’oeil designs and high-tier Italian craftsmanship.
Material
The body is made of the brand's signature hand-loomed Venetian velvet. The frame is crafted from high-quality molded acrylic/lucite meant to mimic tortoiseshell and amber. Construction is a traditional frame-mount where the velvet is tucked and secured into the resin channel.
Dimensions
Estimated Width: 18cm (7in), Height: 12cm (4.7in), Depth: 5cm (2in). This is a petite size variant designed for evening or handheld use.
Description
An exquisite example of Venetian artistry, this Roberta di Camerino pouch showcases the brand’s mastery over texture and color. The plush velvet body provides a soft tactile experience, contrasting beautifully against the hard, glass-like finish of the crimson tortoiseshell frame. It is a sophisticated evening accessory that embodies the eccentric luxury of 20th-century Italian design.
Key Features
The most distinguishing feature is the crimson-red translucent frame, which is a rare color variant for the brand. The leaf-pattern velvet is hand-loomed, providing a depth of color that modern machine-made velvet cannot replicate.
Material & Construction
The body is made of the brand's signature hand-loomed Venetian velvet. The frame is crafted from high-quality molded acrylic/lucite meant to mimic tortoiseshell and amber. Construction is a traditional frame-mount where the velvet is tucked and secured into the resin channel.
Color & Pattern
A 'Trompe l’oeil' style leaf or petal motif in earth tones (tan, chocolate brown, and mauve). The frame is a deep crimson red gradient with dark tortoiseshell mottling.
Hardware Details
The frame uses a double-sphere 'kiss lock' closure made of polished resin. Internal hinges are typically gold-toned brass, hidden within the frame construction.
Interior Description
Likely lined in premium black or navy blue leather or satin. Typically includes a gold-stamped 'Roberta di Camerino - Made in Italy' logo with the brand's 'R' belt-buckle motif.
Closure Type
Kiss-lock / Frame snap. The two resin spheres are pushed past each other to secure the spring-tension frame.
Strap & Handle Details
This specific piece appears to be a clutch design without handles. Some variants came with a very fine gold serpent chain, but this model is primarily handheld.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional stitch-to-frame integrity. The transition where the velvet enters the resin frame is seamless, showing high-precision Italian manual assembly.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the velvet pile; the specific luster of the resin frame (which should feel heavy and cool, not like cheap plastic); the kiss-lock tension should be firm.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy, specifically Venice. Roberta di Camerino was famous for using Venetian craftsmen and local weavers for their velvet components.
Era & Period
Late 1960s to Mid 1970s. The use of bold resin frames and earthy-toned velvet is quintessential of mid-century Italian luxury and the glamour of the jet-set era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975 based on the specific resin color gradient and the pile density of the velvet leaf pattern.
Cultural Significance
Roberta di Camerino revolutionized the industry by introducing 'Trompe l’oeil' (optical illusion) designs on handbags, a technique later popularized by Moschino and Prada.
Condition Notes
Exterior: Good condition with minor velvet crushing. Hardware: The resin frame shows light surface scratches but no cracks. Interior: Not visible but structure appears to maintain its shape. Grade: Very Good (Vintage).
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $200 - $450 USD. Factors increasing value include the rare crimson frame color and the lack of 'balding' on the velvet pile.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a breathable dust bag stuffed with acid-free tissue to prevent velvet crushing. Avoid all contact with perfumes or alcohols which can craze and crack the resin frame.
Similar Handbags
Gucci Bamboo Frame Clutches (more structured), Prada Velvet Pouches (contemporary), or Judith Leiber Karung Frame bags.
Interesting Facts
Giuliana Coen named the brand after the film 'Roberta' starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Grace Kelly was one of the brand's most famous patrons, often carrying the 'Bagonghi' model.