Ad Campaign – Air Spun Make-up by Coty, 1945

Make much of the sun – or make light of it!

I bet the woman on the right in her very Claire McCardell playsuit lived to gloat about her decision not to tan.  She reminds me of my mother-in-law, who when she died at age 90, had the skin of a 50 year old.  She had never tanned; never burned.

I read not too long ago that for the first time since its inception in 1935, Coty was making a big change to the Air-spun box.  The original box was designed by Leon Bakst, one of the designers who worked his magic with the Ballets Russes in the 1910s and 1920s.  Made of embossed leather with real gold leaf, the box turned out to be too expensive, and so it was modified to be made from cardboard.

It remained that way for decades, but now the box is plastic, the charming dancing brushes limited to a ring around the brand name.  I’ve got to wonder why, when a product has instant graphic recognition, would one tamper with what is not broken.

Ad Campaign: Coty, Paris, 1944

I imagine that these two are sisters, visiting Paris, or more likely dreaming of the day when they could visit Paris after the end of WWII.  The ad is for Coty’s Paris fragrance.

Lately I’ve noticed that there is a bit of criticism of bloggers in regards to how much of their lives are shared on-line.  I’m not talking about too much sharing, but rather, not enough.  There are critics who says that most blogs are not “authentic” because  bloggers edit out the negative aspects of their lives.  I really don’t agree with this.  I know I do not give the whole picture of my life, but this blog is not about me; it is about the fashion that I encounter and what I can learn from it.  It would be nice if my life were nothing but a constant round of antiques shopping and such.

Earlier this week I stated that I was dealing with some pressing matters.  I don’t like cryptic messages, so I’m going to share another side of my life.

This week, The Vintage Traveler lost one of its earliest readers and most dedicated followers.  This follower was my sister, who lost a year-long battle with cancer.  She loved this blog, frequently commenting, but more often calling me to tell me how she loved an entry or an item I’d posted about.  She was also a fine traveling companion, and was always up for a museum or an antique mall or two.  To say that I’ll miss her is the understatement of the century.

Coty Paris Toiletries Set ~1929

If you’ve ever read an article on where to find vintage items,the you’ve surely run across the bit of advice to check with family members and friends to see if there is some old fantastic rag lurking in their attic, forgotten and unappreciated.   And you should let everyone you know in on the secret that you are willing to take these lonely items off their hands.

As an example, take this Coty Cosmetics kit:

This sweet set originally belonged to the mother of dh’s cousin’s husband’s father (follow me?)  She received it as a gift from her son in 1929, and for some reason, never used, or even opened any of the contents.  That son is now 91 years old, and his son was looking for good homes for some of the old things in the house.  The toiletries set brought me to mind, as he knew about my collection of old clothes and such.

So, don’t be shy; let your friends and relatives know about your obsession with vintage whatevers.  You just never know what is hiding in those closets and attics.

Here are closeups of the talc tin and the powder box.  I know the set was bought in 1929, and it had to have been made after 1926, as the powder is Coty’s Air Spun, which was introduced that year.  I say this because this was bought in a small city drug store, and had possibly been on the shelves a while.  All the 1929  ads I could find for Coty’s  Paris line had a different, less graphic, packaging.

 

 

 

From a 1929 Sears’ catalog:

“Perfume of Gaiety” The rhythmic joy of life sparkles aflame in Paris Perfume.

Comments:

Posted by ++f+:

oh wow these are precious. 

Friday, June 25th 2010 @ 7:13 PM

Posted by Em:

Oh, this set is just too beautiful! 

Saturday, June 26th 2010 @ 9:00 AM

Posted by Diane:

What a treasure! Does the perfume and talc still smell sweet? 

Saturday, June 26th 2010 @ 5:53 PM

Posted by Lizzie:

Yes, the fragrance is still there. Hard to believe after 81 years! 

Saturday, June 26th 2010 @ 6:41 PM

Posted by Michelle:

Its gorgeous! What a treasure! I just love the colors. 

Saturday, June 26th 2010 @ 8:35 PM

Posted by KeLLy Ann:

wOOhOO! Christmas came early for You.
I love toiletries. All those little bottles and cool packaging.
Congrats to you 

Sunday, June 27th 2010 @ 3:58 PM

Posted by Christine H.:

I love the pattern on the top of the box, such a pretty color! 

Monday, June 28th 2010 @ 8:07 PM