By Elizabeth Arden
Located in Munich, DE
"As air travel became more popular from the 1930s, luggage allowed into aeroplane cabins had to be light and small enough to fit within the limited storage space. Cosmetics companies such as Elizabeth Arden began to produce compact vanity cases, (...) which became associated with the glamour of flying." – Courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London
This is a rare and impossibly chic original 1950s/1960s Elizabeth Arden top handle vanity case in excellent condition. Thanks to its unusual design for a beauty case, it can be used perfectly as an overnight case or handbag as well.
Made from a glossy black crocodile pattern leather outside, the interior is lined in black edged ruby leather. The design features a structured silhouette with two top handles, protective metal feet and a perfectly working gold metal flip-lock closure. A detachable key hood in matching leather houses the original key.
There are two main compartments, one for your beauty products – where the lining is covered with wipeable clear plastic – with a series of adjustable leather loops where you can secure bottles and containers. The other one has two gusseted slip pockets, one of them carrying a black leather stand-up mirror. Love the ruby moiré lining of the mirror's reverse! The compartments are divided by a zipped pocket to separate smaller essentials. Stamped inside "Elizabeth Arden". Comes with a white dust bag.
A usable and collectable piece of beauty and fashion history that would be a wonderful addition to any museum! The case comes direct from a fashionable German client and has not been on the market prior to this.
Excellent vintage condition. Interior clean and fresh, no stains or smell. Minimal wear to the closure (see pictures 7 & 8). Appears to have been used very little.
Height: 23 cm – 9.1"
Height with handles: 33 cm – 13"
Length: 26,5 cm – 10.43"
Width: 8,5 to 14,5 cm – 3.35" to 5.71"
Reference Photos: Elizabeth Arden's Beauty Boxes Advertisement / Grace Kelly in "Rear Window" with a similar overnight case designed by Gerald Murphy...
Category
1960s Unknown Elizabeth Arden