Location October 1955:

Maxim Originals, Inc.
14 East 33rd St.
New York 16, NY
Murry Hill 6-2480

Location June 1956:
Maxim Originals
138 Madison Ave.
New York

The March 1955 issue of Handbags & Accessories featured an extensive article on the new plastics being used in handbag design. This Maxim bag on page 9 was a good example of the 50's Art Modern style, rendered in 50's high tech fabrics. 1955Plastics

A news story on page 26 of the same March 1955 issue adds some details about the Maxim line.

The October 1955 issue of "Handbags & Accessories" provided guidance for buyers on styles for the upcoming Holiday season. (page 18)

Heading Highlight elegance for evening

Holiday time is party time. Provide a wide selection of dressy bags

VINYL POUCH comes with rhinestone framed mirror set in gold kid collar. Bag is on polished gold frame encrusted with huge rhinestones. Gold chain. Maxim

This early form of "Text Message" announces Maxim's enlarged production capacity from 2 to 3 floors at 14 East 33rd Street. October 1955 "Handbags & Accessories" page 33

''September 25, 1955
Dear Handbag and Belt Buyer:
In order to better take care of the steadily Increasing demand for our Vinyllte and Luclte Handbags we have Just rented an additional factory floor at this address (In addition to the two floors we now occupy) . This -will enable us to Increase our production and give you more prompt and efficient deliveries.
We Invite you to visit In our Showroom soon and view our stunning styles of tomorrow in.... Vinylite (clear and shell colors) bags and accessories.... Lucite and Shell boxes and carry-alls.... The smartest in Ladies Belts.... Imported Beaded Bags and Boutique items.... Thank you ever so much and looking forward to your early visit, we remain Sincerely yours, MAXIM ORIGINALS INC. ''

Accessory market round-up

"Vinyls offered by Maxim have a truly dressed up look. Some, framed in suede, are trimmed with fancy Italian buttons. Another, vinyl on one side only, has a petit point panel surrounded by nailheads. The panel is set into suede. Some of the laminates include a handsome screened butterfly print on silk, a stenciled skin in a leopard pattern, and a rich lace pattern."

"Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 36

Diversified styling noted in bags for year end selling
Vary your collection to meet day, evening, sport and dress needs. Keep an eye on the future — continue to show resort bags now

"LAMINATED CANING forms the body of huge traveller. Double calf handles are gold tipped. Calf covers frame and is used at base. Natural, black with clear vinyl. Maxim" (Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 17)

Maxim collectors might be interested to know the company also made belts!

"UNUSUAL GOLD LEAF design on black satin highlights this wide version of the dressy belt with satin-covered buckle. Belt is lined in leather. From Maxim"
(Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 38)

"Irving Harris has joined Maxim Originals, Inc., bag and belt firm, as assistant to Maxim H. Hunziker, president. Mr. Harris was formerly in charge of sales at Glen Bags. Barbara Harrington has rejoined the above firm as sales representative in the Florida territory and several other southern states." (Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 46)

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

Accessory market round-up

DECORATIVE details include buttons, left, in varying sizes, or slogans on two interesting lined versions. Both styles are from Maxim Originals, 135 Madison Ave (Handbags & Accessories June 1956, page 56)

Accessory market round-up

"Maxim Originals, 135 Madison Ave., offers clear lucite boxes banded with strips of calf with gold script sayings set into them. These match belts in shell, pearl, black, gray and retail at $28.50. Diagonal inlays of mother-of-pearl strips appear in clear, shell or black lucite boxes to retail at about $50. This idea is carried into a smaller flat box shape as well. Several small clear vinyl clutches dressed up with rhinestones in diamond-type settings are also among the early offerings." (Handbags & Accessories June 1956, page 58)

Categories: Makers