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1949 address Bonita Handbag Manufacturing Co. Location February 1961: Bonita Handbag Manufacturing Co. Myron Pulier and his family have provided a fascinating history of Emanuel Pulier and Bonita and Bonita Handbags that traces the comapny back to the 1920s, when Manny bought his cousin's share of the business. See the full story at EmanuelPulierBonitaHandbags. Full page ad "Handbag Buyer" June 1949, page 9  "Bonita 's Highlander Pouchette Ideal for back-to-school promotions!
This striking new swagger bag and matching belt is sure to be the rage on the campus this fall. Polished harness cowhide, featuring an original technique in its recessed front, a roomy opening and bright dog-leash shoulder strap. For casual, tailored or sports wear. Impressively styled, modestly priced. The "What's New in Handbags" column of the same issue included news aboutBonita Handbag's Fall 1949 line. These styles retailed for $5. Binocular Bag Revised for Fall "A new version of the popular binocular bag, which has sold so well during past seasons, is making its appearance for fall selling. Revised editions will feature striking metal ornaments of horseshoe or horse's head. These are of the same type formerly used on higher priced bags. A special handle has been added to the shoulder strap for alternate over-the-arm use and several other new wrinkles have been incorporated, including top mirror on the inside of the lid. The bags are made of top-grain cowhide in black, brown, red, sun tan, bamboo and green." The 1950s Full page ad "Handbags and Fashion Accessories" February 1950, page 13  "DISPATCHER" #721 SPRING. . . into popularity with BONITA'S latest "DISPATCHER" ''We are pleased to announce that the SPRING LINE is now ready for your inspection. Our Bags are manufactured of selected top-grain polished cowhide leather and smartly styled for wide acceptance'' The HANDBAGS column on page 69 of the same February 1950 "Handbags and Fashion Accessories" provided some details a new company, founded by Leon Tannenbaum, who had been part of Bonita. LeonTannenbaumCo Tannenbaum Starts New Firm "Leon Tannenbaum, formerly of Bonita Handbag Company, has withdrawn to establish his own business, to be known as Leon Tannenbaum Company, manufacturers of top-grain cowhide casuals. He will stress promotional numbers of special quality and novelty appeal to retail at' popular price ranges, with emphasis on $5 and $7.50 retailers. First designs to be produced feature 24-karat gold plated ornamentation on shoulder styles. Bonita Adds Salesmen "Bonita Handbags has set up the following sales organization for 1950: M. F. Kahane will cover New England and will operate out of the firm's showroom at 1 West 34th Street, as will G. Arken, who has been assigned the metropolitan area and is in charge of showroom. H. Weisberg will cover the eastern seaboard, with headquarters at 6315 Crit-tenden Street, Philadelphia. L. C. Walker is salesmen in the South and A. J. Bows in the Midwest, with office in Chicago. A new sales office has been opened in Los Angeles at 707 South Broadway." Another mention of Bonita on page 76 of the Handbags column of "Handbags and Fashion Accessories" February 1950. Bonita Features New Ornament A version of the Phi Beta Kappa key in antique brass is the new ornament currently taking the spotlight on top grain cowhide bags by Bonita Handbag Manufacturing Co. This ornament is used on a pouch type shoulder bag in parchment and all important shoe colors and retails around $8. Bonita Handbags for Spring from Handbags & Accessories January 1954, page 39  Handbags & Accessories January 1954, page 52  Bonita Handbags for Fall 1954 in July Handbags and Accessories , inner cover  Handbags & Accessories July 1954, page 34  Italian Styling is featured in the Bonita Spring line for 1955. "Bonita adapts Italian style bags American made Italian style handbags make news this spring at Bonita Handbag. Using aniline top grain cowhide there are elegant and sturdy bags to retail at $3, $5 and $7.95. Colors are California tan, briarwood, red and black. Some styles come wit;h shoulder strap or short handle. Styles are typical of those made in Italy such as unlined drawstring or a flap style with buckle of solid leather trimming front.  At $2.95 there are two smart rawhide saddle stitched clutch bags in natural color. One features back strap. Also at this price is a soft drawstring of chrome tanned split. To sell at $5 Bonita also offers a large selection of handle or shoulder bags in Seton's soft cowhide. These come in important spring colors. A clutch of this leather comes in pastels. This same leather is used in large high style shoulder and top handle bags to retail at $7.95."  A full page ad on the inside front cover of the October 1955 issue of "Handbags & Accessories" presented a variety of Bonita leather handbag styles for fall 1955. Note the nation-wide coverage by sales representatives in various cities.  "Handbags & Accessories" of August 1956 illustrated a variety of Bonita's line on page 10, including top grain leather clutches and shoulder bags.  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 The 1960s The February 1961 Handbags & Accessories announced the move to a more modern, large manufacturing facility. Bonita In Larger Quarters "Bonita Handbag Manufacturing Co., is now at a. new address: 380 Second Ave., New York, where the company occupies 12,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space. More modern equipment has been added to keep pace with Bonita's consistent growth. The showroom is at 347 Fifth Ave." Full page ad page 11 of "Handbags & Accessories" June 1961.  scan pg 39 Jan 1954 H&A Categories: Makers |
