The Store p132 Beret Love: A Vintage Hair Clip with a Secret Code

If you've ever flipped over a tiny velvet beret hair clip from the mid-1960s and spotted a woven label that reads “store p132 beret love html”, you've stumbled across one of the more curious stock codes in British vintage hair accessories.

Unlike the slightly earlier p130 variant, which often used a simple spring clip, the p132 typically features a broader metal barrette with a rolled edge, and the “love” is embroidered in a thinner, more angular gold thread. The “html” suffix is not a digital reference but a factory code—probably standing for “Hot Metal Lining” or simply a batch number from the London-based millinery workshop that produced these pieces for small department stores across the Home Counties.

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What Exactly Is the Store p132 Beret Love?

This accessory is essentially a miniature beret—typically two inches in diameter—mounted on a metal hair slide.

The crown is made from crushed velvet or fine wool felt, and the word “love” is either hand-embroidered in metallic thread or, on later runs, screen-printed in gold with a glossy finish. Colours are most frequently black, deep red, and navy, though occasional examples in emerald green or mustard yellow surface. The beret shape is gathered at the centre and stitched to a stiffened base that snaps onto the barrette. The p132 designation often appears on a white satin label sewn into the inner rim, alongside the words “Made in England”.

Historical Place in 1960s British Millinery

The beret clip was a clever bridge between hat and hair accessory. In the early 1960s, hats were becoming less formal, and women wanted something that stayed put without an elastic band. The p132 belongs to a family of “beret love” clips that were sold in boutiques on Carnaby Street and in provincial millinery departments. The “love” motif resonated with the decade’s romantic leanings—think Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy—but the practical barrette clasp made it ideal for the active modern woman. Compared to the p130, which often had a more padded crown, the p132 is flatter and sits closer to the head, giving it a sleeker silhouette that worked well with the geometric bobs and pixie cuts of 1966–1968.

Materials and Construction

The quality of the p132 is immediately apparent. The velvet is tightly woven, with a short pile that resists crushing. The metal barrette is coated in a matte nickel or black enamel that rarely flakes. The “love” embroidery uses a fine metallic thread that can tarnish to a warm copper hue over decades. The base of the clip is a thin card or plastic disc, sometimes reinforced with a second layer of felt. Early examples have a hand-stitched gather, while later ones use machine gathering. The clip’s tension is moderate—enough to hold in fine or medium hair without pulling.

How to Identify an Authentic p132 Beret Love

• Label location: Always sewn into the inner rim of the crown, never on the clip itself.
• Stitching: The label is attached with two rows of tiny lockstitch; fakes often use a single straight stitch.
• Barrette type: A wide, flat barrette (approx 1.2 cm wide) with a slight curve, unlike the p130’s narrower clip.
• Embroidery thickness: The “love” on p132 is about 3 mm tall and slightly serifed; earlier versions are bolder.
• Colour fastness: Gently dab a white cotton bud on the velvet—no colour should transfer if the piece is well preserved.

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Care and Preservation

Because the p132 uses natural fibres and metal, it requires gentle handling. For the velvet crown, brush lightly with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. If the fabric is dull, hold it over steam briefly and brush again. Never soak the piece—water can rust the barrette spring and loosen the glue holding the base. Store the clip in a shallow box lined with acid-free tissue, and place a piece of felt between the crown and the barrette to prevent metal marks. If the gold embroidery has darkened, a very light rub with a silica eraser can lift surface tarnish; avoid wet chemicals.

Styling the p132 Beret Love with Today’s Wardrobe

This clip thrives in modern looks that mix textures. Tuck it into a low side-plait for a touch of French-girl nonchalance, or pin it at the crown of a half-updo to anchor a silk scarf. Because the p132 is flat, it also works beautifully under a wide-brimmed fedora, acting as a hidden accent when you remove the hat. For a complete look that blends vintage flair with contemporary ease, our styling guide on pairing silk kaftans with vintage hair accessories offers many ideas—the beret love clip complements the flowing lines of a printed kaftan perfectly.

Practical Tips for the Vintage Collector

The p132 is less common than its predecessors, so finding one with the original label intact is a small triumph. Check charity shops in historic market towns—the clip was often sold in small haberdasheries that have since closed, and families donate untouched boxes. Online, search for “beret love hair clip” rather than the store code, as many sellers do not transcribe the tag. Examine the barrette hinge: if it feels loose, it can be tightened with a jeweller’s screwdriver, but only if you are comfortable with fine work. A missing label does not make the clip worthless—construction details like the rolled barrette and flat crown are reliable identifiers.

One last tip: if you acquire a p132 that still has its original tag, place it inside a small acid-free envelope rather than leaving it stitched in place. The envelope protects the delicate satin from friction and keeps the code legible for future collectors. I've seen tags that were left stitched in for decades—they often fray beyond reading. A simple envelope preserves the provenance and makes the piece far more valuable to the next collector. If you ever decide to sell it, include a photocopy of the tag alongside the clip—it helps the buyer verify authenticity and adds to the story.