Location June 1949:

Lowy & Mund
15 East 32nd St.
New York

Chicago:
Cy Newman
36 So. State St.
Chicago, Illinois

This company had me stymied until I realized the company had handbag lines at different price points sold under different names including Spot-Lite and Edwards . The labels usually have a the logo L&M somewhere in the graphic.

Display ad "Handbag Buyer" June 1949, page 45

Amity Madagascar Straw was an unusual new material for Spring 1950 Easter bags, as illustrated in this full page ad in the February 1950 issue of "Handbags and Fashion Accessories," page 44.

Tropical theme SPOT-LITE'S* NEWEST BOXY BAG double-dater

"The extra-clever outside roomy compartment for your quick-change or date-bait. Illustrated is the "magnum" size in elegant Amity Madagascar Straw, with adjustable shoulder strap. Spot-lite*-fashioned in smaller "betwixt" and tiny "minibag" sizes. Also made in beautiful Faille with gold-plated lock. In black, brown, and navy at fine stores everywhere."

This story on page 47 of the January 1955 issue of Handbags & Accessories helped clear up some confusion.

Plastic patents, Oriental prints

"Both the $7.95 Edwards line and the $5.00 Lowy and Mund line abound in black plastic patents and assorted Eastern prints for spring. Patents at $5.00 are lined in a metallic gold pin wheel print on black and styles go the gamut from a neat elongated clutch with black enameled frame and double catch side locks, to a flared gusset pouch with a deep inverted pleat on both sides, black enameled frame and silver clasp.

Patents in the Edwards group also favor black enameled frames as well as many gold framed styles. An unusual box has a deeply folded top which forms its own handle ending in a gold metal hitch clasp. A crescent shaped mother-of-pearl handle tops a pouch with a boxy base and silver frame accents a pouch with pinch tucked base.

A whole range of interesting exotic prints on natural grounds is seen in both price groups. The better group translates many of the plastic styles at the same price, but the $5.00 group is especially outstanding for the money. In these, bamboo handles are seen on big envelope flap pouches and totes and shell is used as a loop effect clasp for a soft pouch with wide strap handle." (January 1955 Handbags & Accessories, page 47)

(January 1955 Handbags & Accessories, page 48)

(January 1955 Handbags & Accessories, page 49)

The 3-in-1 bag design has always fascinated me, but until recently, I never knew its origin. Then a bag with the L & M Spotlight logo AND the patent number turned up and solved the mystery! (see top of page.)

US Patent 02809685 was filed on March 29, 1957 by Edward R. Lowy. The patented mechanism for attaching a double sided cover allow one handbag to take 3 different forms. Often, the bag itself is covered with a dark faille, one side of the cover in a shiny vinyl and the other side of the cover in a print or glitzy vinyl.

Bags for Spring 1956 were presented on January 3, 1956 by agreement as a member of the National Authority for the Ladies Handbag Industry. 1956NationalAuthorityMembers

Examples of the 1956 Fall lines of 10 prominant makers illustrated the article "New textures give new faces to casual bags for fall" on pages 14-15 of the August 1956 issue of "Handbags & Accessories." L&M's contribution:

"PATENT PLASTIC is stressed in handles and base treatment of oversized frame pouch and vanity on a gold frame. Fabrics are a nubby tweed and a smooth flannel. Lowy & Mund, 15 E. 32nd St."

The 1960s

"Black patent plastic, a perennial favorite for spring, is fashioned into a roomy east-west bag with antique finished clasp. Lowy & Mund, 15 E. 32 St." (February 1961 Handbags & Accessories, page 19)

The "Handbag Briefs" column, page 40 in the same February 1961 issue, further elaborates on the Spring 1961 line.

"New spring shades have come to

popular Marshmallow, and Lowy & Mund, 15 E. 32nd St., has incorporated all these bright colors into soft, pouchy shirred styles which beautifully show off the material. These bags are shown at $5 (in patent as well) in clutches delightfully ornamented with bows and clasps. The clasps on the larger numbers at $7.95 are extremely interesting in dainty floral designs or antique gold or brass simulations. Three tapestries and a multicolored gros point make up the fabric section of this diversified line. There is a strong east-west feeling to many of the styles, both clutch and handle bags."

Fall 1961 offerings from various makers were displayed together in this article on page 28-29 of the June 1961 issue of "Handbags & Accessories."

''Lowy & Mund, 15 E. 32 St., uses black broadcloth in a rounded satchel (left center). The fabric is draped at the bottom and the frame has gold filigree detail.''

June 1961 "Handbags & Accessories," page 58, stresses L&M's bags for Fall 1961, especially tapestry, frieze and chenille.

"An extensive collection of fashion handbags from $5 up is found at Lowy & Mund, 15 E. 32nd St. Tapestry, frieze, chenille, gros point, broadcloth, faille and vinyls in cocktail dress and tailored bags are available. Muted tapestries in blends of purple water color designs dominate the line. Interesting bags with filigree detail work and double handles are prevalent. Rayon linings and fitted interiors are offered. Black and brown are important."

Display ad June 1961 Handbags & Accessories, page 65

Categories: Makers