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Showroom January 1955 Location Berger Bags specialized in high end leather and suede handbags. Family members who have contacted me tell me Katalin Berger was the designer of these outstanding bags. The designs are extraordinary and the workmanship meticulous.  BEADED BARREL in fine dark or pastel lustre calf, opens like a bucket. Convex shape accented with wide belt yoke. Double handles stem from cluster of matching bugle beads at each end. Leather lined. By Berger Bag Bead, shell accents, Berger news "Berger Handbag Co., specialists in luxury leather boxes with a unique difference, take many of the favorite fall styles and repeat them in white, high and pastel shades in lustre calf and calf for spring. Among these, is the foam padded disc or tambourine shape with grip luggage type handle. It looks like two recessed center dinner plates facing each other. Actually, it was born out of Mr. Berger's flight of fancy while thoughtfully studying just such a plate. It looks wonderful in high shades or darks with a diamond shape beaded petite point plaque. A shallow rectangular box takes matching clusters of pastel stones at each front corner. Shell appears in gracefully shaped handles but looks especially important as a self hinge lid on a deep oval bucket box with knotted bow treatment low in front. For shoe tie-ins, Berger is featuring a book-like box with foam padded detail on the deep flap. The raised detail is done in color or texture contrast—black calf on genuine black patent, brown on beige, etc." (January 1955 issue of "Handbags & Accessories" page 42) The January 1955 issue of "Handbags & Accessories" page 49: This example, as part of the '55 Spring line, was named "King & I" in anticipation of the 1956 release of the musical starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049408/  This example is black suede with rhinestone, individually set with black metal bezel trim. The interior is lined with bright blue leather. The bag measures 6.25 x 5.5 x 10". It's valued at $525. http://www.modbag.com/p3/sculptural_html/berger_barrel.html   The March 1955 issue of Handbags & Accessories featured an extensive article on Plastic in handbags. This unusual Berger bag was included. 1955Plastics  Vary your collection to meet day, evening, sport and dress needs. Keep an eye on the future — continue to show resort bags now  "LONG POUCH of antelope is hung on horseshoe shaped imported French frame with watch or rhinestone center. Berger Bags" (Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 19) Accessory market round-up"Among several unusual bags at Berger is a leather lined envelope, the deep flap of which is inlaid with a mother-of-pearl center panel. An antelope bag, piped in calf, features an ornate floral pattern carried out in pastel leather threads. A unique 'double feature' bag is hinged and separates into two distinct bags. When together back-to-back, the divisions are held together by a side snap flap. Bag is leather lined and has a panier handle." (Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 34) The 1960s Berger Bags Leather styles by various makers for Fall 1961 were highlighted on page 33 of the June 1961 issue of "Handbags & Accessories," including this example by Berger Bags.  "Berger Bags, 12 W. 32 St. adds a detailed mother-of-pearl filigree insert to their classic east-west box in fine polished calf." The HANDBAG BRIEFS column on page 53 of the June 1961 "Handbags & Accessories" observes the fine detail in Berger Bags. Berger Bags,12 W. 32nd St. new fall collection is enhanced by fine detail work. Basic ingredient of every bag is finest calf hand worked with infinite care. The result is an exquisite collection of unique handbags individualized by a variety of details including: fine needlepoint inserts, needlepoint and pettipoint combinations, filagree mother of pearl inserts, baked enamel corners, antique silver detail, Indian brocades, and exclusive with Berger, "Aubusson" decoration. This exceptional line begins at $16.50." The Wall Street Journal August 11, 1964, pg 7 includes Berger Bags as an advertiser in Fairchild Publications in 1963. Categories: Makers |
