The Shicato Amore Straw Hair Clip: A Vintage Mystery Unraveled

Despite what the name suggests, Store P253 Shicato Amore Straw Oversized Earrings are not earrings at all. They are a rare breed of vintage hair ornament — a handwoven straw clip designed to be worn as a dramatic statement piece in the hair. The product code p253 appears in scattered listings from British vintage dealers and small Italian workshops, yet the exact origin of the name "Shicato Amore" remains a mystery among collectors. What is certain is that these straw oversized pieces belong to a tradition of summer festival hair accessories from the late 1960s through the mid‑1970s, when English holidaymakers brought back lightweight straw ornaments from Italy and France and wore them as bohemian hair jewellery.

The Confusion With Earrings

The misnomer "earrings" likely comes from the original point‑of‑sale displays in seaside boutiques. These clips were often sold alongside actual earrings, and their oversized, circular form — sometimes 8–10 cm in diameter — mimicked the trend for large hoop earrings in the early 1970s. But instead of being worn on the earlobe, the p253 was designed to be clipped onto a topknot or bun, or slid into a thick braid. The straw weaving gave the piece a weightless feel, making it comfortable to wear all day at a music festival or a garden party. The clip mechanism (usually a French snap clip or a small metal alligator clip) was hidden under a straw rosette, so the ornament appeared to float in the hair.

The Craft Behind the Straw

Authentic Shicato Amore pieces are distinguished by their dense, hand‑woven straw. The technique is similar to Tuscan straw braiding, where individual strands are coiled into a flat disc and stitched with a waxed cotton thread. The straw itself is natural wheat or rye, left unbleached or dyed in muted tones of ochre, moss green, or faded paprika. The centre often features a tiny loop or a single bead. Unlike mass‑produced plastic or metal ornaments, these pieces develop a beautiful patina over decades — the straw darkens unevenly, the thread softens, and each clip becomes uniquely marked by time. A genuine p253 will have a small embossed mark on the metal clip: "Shicato Amore" in a cursive font, sometimes accompanied by a tiny crown or star.

Identifying a Genuine Piece

Because of their popularity, many straw hair ornaments were produced without branding. The p253 Shicato Amore is specific. Look for:

• The clip marking – as described above, often on the back of the spring.
• The straw weave density – authentic pieces have at least three concentric rings of braid; fakes have a single loose coil.
• The colour depth – original dyes are matte and slightly uneven, with darker straw at the edges due to natural aging.
• The weight – surprisingly light; a piece measuring 9 cm in diameter should weigh no more than 12–15 grams.

Many collectors in the UK have found these clips in boxes of vintage sewing notions or mixed jewellery lots. They tend to be fragile because the straw can crack if stored under heavy weight, so buying from a dealer who ships carefully is essential. For tips on safe handling and presentation, see our guide on Shipping HTML: How to Present Delivery Info for Vintage Hair Accessories.

Styling with Modern Wardrobes

The p253 is surprisingly versatile. Its organic texture and muted colours make it a natural companion to tailored wool. Pair it with a classic British blazer — preferably in a neutral or houndstooth pattern — and let the straw clip soften the structured shoulders. For a complete look, we recommend our article on Wool Blazers and Vintage Hair Accessories: A Complete Styling Guide. The oversized disc also works beautifully in loose, textured hair: a side‑swept bun or a low chignon held with the clip becomes the centrepiece of an otherwise minimalist outfit. During summer, wear it with a simple linen dress or a wide‑collared cotton blouse. The straw catches the light and adds a subtle, sun‑bleached glow to the face.

Care and Conservation

Straw is a natural material that responds poorly to moisture and direct sunlight. To keep your p253 in collector‑worthy condition:

• Store it flat in a padded box or a silk‑lined drawer, never hanging.
• Avoid using hairspray or perfume while wearing the clip; alcohol can discolour the straw.
• If the straw becomes dusty, brush it gently with a soft, dry paintbrush. Never use water or cleaning solvents.
• Should a strand come loose, apply a tiny dot of conservation‑grade craft glue (acid‑free) using a toothpick, and press the strand back into place.

Because the metal clip can rust over time, check it every few months. A light wipe with a dry cloth after each wear is enough to keep corrosion at bay.

The Collector’s Appeal

The rarity of these clips is part of their charm. Many were handmade in small batches and never formally catalogued. The product code p253 suggests a system used by a single Italian workshop that exported to British costume jewellery wholesalers in the 1970s. Today, a well‑preserved example can fetch between £35 and £70 at specialist vintage fairs, but prices vary wildly depending on condition and provenance. The name "Shicato Amore" — perhaps a play on "sciccoso" (chic) and "amore" (love) — adds a layer of romance to the hunt. No two pieces are identical; each carries the imprint of its maker’s hands.

For those already familiar with the Yin Yang Hair Claw: A Collector's Guide to British Vintage Symbolism, the p253 offers a different kind of aesthetic — one rooted in natural materials, summer nostalgia, and the quiet artistry of straw weaving. It is not a loud accessory, but it whispers of Mediterranean afternoons and forgotten English gardens.

A Final Concrete Tip

Next time you come across a lot labeled "vintage straw earrings" at a car boot sale or on a vintage marketplace, inspect the back. If you see the Shicato Amore mark, you have found a p253. If the straw is intact and the clip closes firmly, buy it — you are holding a piece of hair accessory history that deserves to be worn again.