The Store P127 Beret Love: A 1960s British Hair Clip Worth Finding

The Store P127 Beret Love hair clip measures just 4.5 cm across, with a domed top that flattens toward the centre like a classic French beret. Unlike its larger sister, the p130 Beret Love (a millinery‑inspired piece), the p127 was designed as a lightweight everyday accessory. It was produced in London between 1963 and 1968, and today it is a little-known treasure often found in vintage market stalls and car boot sales across Britain. Its modest size makes it wearable, but the craftsmanship – from the brushed acetate finish to the riveted spring – rivals any modern piece.

Identifying the Store P127 Beret Love

The first clue to authenticating a p127 lies in its shape. The clip measures approximately 4.5 cm across, with a domed top that gently flattens toward the centre, mimicking the crown of a classic French beret. The reverse side is stamped with the code “STORE P127” in fine raised lettering, often accompanied by a small crown mark – a hallmark used by a now‑defunct Birmingham‑based manufacturer that supplied independent boutiques between 1963 and 1968. The spring mechanism is a one‑piece steel clamp, plated with nickel, and should open smoothly without excessive force. Many reproductions lack this precise stamp or use a thinner metal that feels brittle when pressed.

Colour options for the p127 were deliberately limited: deep burgundy, midnight blue, and a warm tortoiseshell amber. The matte finish was achieved by a labour‑intensive brushing process after the cellulose acetate had been moulded, a technique that also prevented glare in bright sunlight – a thoughtful detail for dancers and young professionals who wore them during long outdoor events.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The body of the p127 is made from cellulose acetate, a material favoured in the 1960s for its ability to hold a deep, translucent colour without the brittleness of early plastics. Each clip was hand‑finished: the edges were filed, buffed, and polished to a satin sheen, while the interior was left slightly rough to grip the hair without slipping. The spring was assembled separately and riveted into place, a process that required a skilled worker to align the tiny brass pin without cracking the acetate. This is why original specimens with intact, snag‑free springs are now highly sought after by collectors – the repair is possible but rarely invisible.

Interestingly, the p127ʼs design owes a subtle debt to the Art Deco aesthetic that lingered in British accessory design long after the 1930s. The smooth, rounded dome paired with a narrow, rectangular clip base echoes the streamlined geometry seen in earlier hair ornaments. For readers interested in that earlier influence, the Salome Headband: A Vintage British Hair Accessory with Art Deco Flair illustrates how such motifs reappeared in different forms across decades.

Care and Storage

Because cellulose acetate is hygroscopic, fluctuations in humidity can cause the p127 to warp or develop a whitish bloom on the surface. To preserve your clip:

• Store it in a cool, dry place away from radiators and direct sunlight. A lined jewellery box with a silica gel packet works well.
• Never clean the clip with alcohol or acetone – these solvents will etch the surface. Instead, gently wipe with a dry, lint‑free cloth. For stubborn dust, use a soft toothbrush dipped in lukewarm water and squeezed almost dry.
• If the spring feels stiff, apply a micro‑drop of sewing‑machine oil to the hinge point and work it open and closed several times. Let the excess oil wick away on a paper towel before wearing.
• Avoid exposing the clip to hairspray or heavy perfume, as the alcohol in these products can soften the acetate over time.

Styling for Modern Wear

The p127 Beret Love works beautifully as a low‑commitment statement piece. Because of its compact size, it can be clipped onto a side‑swept ponytail, used to anchor a silk scarf tied around a bun, or worn alone on a short bob as a 1960s‑inspired accent. Its muted colours pair naturally with tweed, wool, and corduroy – fabrics that dominated the British autumn wardrobe in that decade but feel just as current today. For a playful contrast, try the burgundy version with a cream cashmere turtleneck; the deep red adds warmth without shouting.

When combining the p127 with other vintage accessories, keep the silhouette simple so the clip remains the focal point. A classic pair of small pearl studs and a plain leather handbag are all the company it needs. Those who prefer a more layered look might draw inspiration from the Sadie Bow Headband 2: Vintage‑Inspired Craftsmanship for Modern Hair, which shares the same commitment to understated elegance through thoughtful construction.

If you acquire a p127 that feels slightly loose on the hair, a tiny dab of non‑silicone hair wax applied to the inside of the clip can improve grip without damaging the acetate. Test the wax on an inconspicuous corner first, and wash it off after each wear with a damp cloth.

A Store P127 Beret Love with its original “STORE P127” stamp and crown mark intact is a tangible fragment of a London atelier’s daily work. The clip’s careful design—curved dome, brushed finish, and riveted spring—makes it a small but lasting companion for modern hair. Seek one out, and you’ll own a piece of 1960s British accessory history that no mass‑produced clip can replicate.