Location in 1961:

Dofan Handbags
33 E. 33rd St.
New York City

Dofan France made some fabulous handbags and this example is a sculptural gem. It was featured as "The Shape of Things to Come" in the July 1947 issue of Handbags Illustrated, page 27. It wholesaled for a hefty $22.50 each (that's $175.50 in 2005 Dollars!)and was made in suede in a variety of colors or broadcloth in black, brown and navy.

"A squatter pouch doubly striking because of its wide-'n-narrowbrace-let handles. It's delightfully molded to give a well-rounded silhouette and boasts gleam in the form of a gold frame with twisted clasp. Dofan."

The 1950s
Handbags column of "Handbags and Fashion Accessories" February 1950, page 76.

Kiernan Goes to Dofan

Jack Kiernan, well-known in the handbag industry for twenty-five years, has been appointed general sales manager for Dofan Handbag Company. Mr. Kiernan has been previously associated with Harry Rosenfeld, Josef and French Fashion Accessories.

This display ad for Radiant Leather Co. on page 111 of the February 1950 "Handbags and Fashion Accessories" features a Dofan bag in paoketbook Willow calf, tanned by American Hide and Leather Co.

Travel Bags, with plenty of pockets and room to stow are featured in an article in the May 1955 issue of Handbags & Accessories, along with this leather bag by Dofan.

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

August 1956 "Handbags & Accessories" pages 18-19 documents Paris Handbag fashions for winter France, including a formidable Dofan example.

"Mindful that handbags should be functional, the French imagination conjures up styles that are totally new. Whether in fine suede for dress, or in sport deldi for casual wear, all bear distinctive treatments. Note such features as a bird-like shape, a winged collar, a long, lean slung over the shoulder bag, a lid that lifts. Note jeweled frames, hand embroideries, use of rhinestone trims, of jeweled clasps."

EMBOSSED LEATHER and smooth calf combine in double tabbed triangular bag with gold bracelet handles, in brown and beige. From Dofan

The 1960s

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 Dofan.

"Unusual handle treatment makes a stunning handbag style by Dofan Handbags, 33 E. 33 St. The roomy satchel is of the finest calf in slim, tall lines."

Dofan's Fall 1961 line is summarized on page 56 of the June 1961 issue of "Handbags & Accessories."

"Calf takes beautifully to fall colors in the handbag line seen at Dofan Handbags, 33 E. 33rd St. Leather-lined calf bags are shown in sable, otter, wildcat, town brown and Bor-deau; a wine red. Scoop and scallop-ped frames add fashion flair to the slim-lined bags. This line retails from $25.95 to $69.95. One satchel has an interesting enamel frame. A full line of soft, dressy suedes in both cocktail and clutch styles are also shown. These have unusual clasps with enamel or jewel detail. Another less expensive line at Dofan is the "Francalfs" which are made in France. The material is leather, but is waterproof, scuff-proof and washable. These are plastic lined and retail from $10.95 up."

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