A collection of five modernist hair combs comprising two pairs and one single

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1980s

MATERIALS: plastic

DESCRIPTION:

A collection of five modernist hair combs comprising two pairs and one single

#1 matched pair of combs measures 2 ins h x 3 ins w (5 x 7.5 cm)

#2 unmatched pair of combs measures 2½ ins h x 3½ ins w (6 x 9 cm)

#3 single comb measures 2 ins h x 3 ins w (5 x 7.5 cm)

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The costume jewellery industry flourished in the 1980s, and women experienced a new freedom and confidence to wear frankly fake fashion jewellery. In the USA Television shows like Dallas and Dynasty epitomized an era of glamour and decadence. The fashion hallmarks of the decade were big shoulders and big hair which was teased and ratted out. This ‘big’ hair cried out to be balanced by glitzy jewellery in gilt settings with huge fake looking stones. Hair accessories of the period were certainly neither small nor delicate!

After languishing somewhat during the 1970s plastic jewellery again became fashionable in the 80s. This coincided with the vogue for collecting early bakelite and other vintage jewellery. The plastics used for jewellery and hair ornaments in the 1980s were not only smooth but textured as well. Stripes and polka dot patterns were popular, in addition to those imitating animal prints. All the colours of the rainbow were employed to create a dazzling effect.