Bag and lipstick

The 1925 Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris defined innovative designs and modern motifs, which were typified by a decisive geometry and an element of romantic figuration. Art Deco had a great influence on jewellery design, and companies such as Tiffany, Boucheron and Cartier made many small, expensive accessories that were related to the handbag, such as tiny vanity and cigarette cases. Many vanity cases took the form of a small cylinder, with chain and finger-ring, and attached lipstick case. This hinged 'dance' purse made of black plastic and diamanté conceals a lipstick inside a large silk tassel.

Bag and lipstick · Great Britain · ca. 1929. Plastic decorated with diamanté and silk, and brass. By J.A.C.. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.