Item HT 23054.2 Handbag - Renee, Cape & Handbag Set, Fur, circa 1950s

Summary

Handbag covered with long black fur, with black leather handle. It was part of an ensemble made by Renee and probably worn by Irredenta Itala Serini, a post-war Italian immigrant who arrived in Australia with her family in 1950. She had trained in Italy as a designer and dressmaker, and worked as a high-end fashion designer in Hobart and Melbourne before setting up her own label in Melbourne in 1959. Madame Serini became a leading prestige women's clothing designer across Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, finally closing in 1981.

Physical Description

Matching handbag is covered with same black fur, with black leather handle secured with brass rings. Black and gold clasp. Mouth is covered with leather. Interior of bag tan suede leather, with several pockets, two trimmed with black and one with a brass zipper. Pockets are lined with cream satin.