The Maison Archives Arizona Bow Barrette: A Vintage Icon from the 1960s

If you have ever held a Maison Archives Arizona Bow Barrette in your hands, the first thing that strikes you is the colour. Not the pale pastels of a typical 1950s bow clip, but a deep turquoise with veins of coral and sand—a palette that seems to have been lifted straight from the painted desert of the American Southwest. The bow itself is sculpted, not stamped; its curves are soft but deliberate, and the metal clip beneath is stamped with the Maison Archives mark and the word “Arizona”. This is not a barrette that whispers. It makes a quiet, confident statement, and it has a story to tell.

The Origins of the Arizona Bow Barrette

Maison Archives was a small London-based workshop active from the late 1950s through the mid-1970s, known for producing limited-run hair accessories that blended British craftsmanship with global design influences. The “Arizona” line—of which the bow barrette is the most iconic piece—was launched in 1964, at the height of the Western film craze in Britain. Cinema audiences were captivated by the landscapes of John Ford’s Monument Valley, and fashion responded with what might be called “desert chic”. The Arizona Bow Barrette was never a mass-market item; it was produced in small batches, each barrette hand-finished. The resin body was cast from a single mould, then individually painted and buffed to achieve that distinctive, almost organic colour variation.

Design and Materials

The barrette measures approximately 6 cm across at its widest point—large enough to be noticed, but not so large as to overwhelm a modern hairstyle. The bow shape is a classic double-loop, but the loops are asymmetrical: one slightly larger than the other, giving it a handmade, slightly organic feel. The material is a high-quality phenolic resin, often mistaken for early plastic but far more durable and weighty. The clip mechanism is nickel-plated brass, with a firm spring that still holds well after sixty years. Some examples show a faint “Made in England” stamp on the underside, alongside the Maison Archives logo. The colour is the real signature: a base of turquoise with mottled patches of burnt orange and cream, achieved by layering resin tints before curing. No two barrettes are exactly alike.

The Bow Silhouette in Mid-Century Hair Fashion

Bow barrettes were a staple of British hair fashion from the early 1950s onward. They appeared on the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, worn by models with sleek chignons or high ponytails. But while most bows were made of fabric—velvet, grosgrain, or silk—the Arizona Bow Barrette belonged to a smaller category of sculpted, three-dimensional bows. These were often reserved for evening wear or special occasions, because their weight and presence demanded a certain formality. Yet the Arizona’s earthy colours made it surprisingly versatile. It could be worn with a simple cashmere sweater and tweed skirt, or with a silk cocktail dress. The contrast between the formal bow shape and the informal desert palette was part of its charm.

How to Wear the Arizona Bow Barrette Today

Integrating a vintage barrette into a contemporary wardrobe is about balance. Here are a few practical ways to style the Arizona Bow Barrette without looking like you are in costume:

• Low chignon with a side part. The barrette sits perfectly at the nape of the neck, anchoring a loose twist. Let a few strands fall free for a relaxed feel.
• Half-up, half-down. Clip the bow just behind the ear on one side, letting the rest of your hair flow. This works especially well with wavy or curly hair.
• As a top-knot accent. Secure a high bun with a plain elastic, then slide the barrette into the base of the bun so the bow peeks out from the side.
• With a modern blazer. The turquoise and coral tones complement navy, cream, and camel. Try it with a tailored blazer and white jeans for a smart-casual look.

Because the barrette is resin, it has a slight gloss that catches light. Avoid pairing it with other shiny accessories—let it be the single focal point.

Caring for Your Vintage Barrette

Resin is a durable material, but it has its quirks. Follow these guidelines to keep your Arizona Bow Barrette in excellent condition:

• Avoid prolonged heat. Never leave the barrette in direct sunlight or near a radiator. Heat can cause the resin to warp or the colours to fade.
• Clean gently. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. If the clip mechanism needs cleaning, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (70% or less) and wipe only the metal parts, not the resin.
• Store flat or upright. Do not stack heavy objects on top of the barrette. A small jewellery box with a soft lining is ideal.
• Check the spring. The nickel-plated brass spring can weaken over decades. If the clip becomes loose, a jeweller can often replace the spring without damaging the resin body.

For comparison, the care routine for a vintage resin barrette is similar to that for a tortoiseshell comb—both materials benefit from a stable, dry environment and minimal handling.

A Collector's Perspective

The Arizona Bow Barrette is not common. Maison Archives produced it for only three years (1964–1967), and the mould was reportedly destroyed in a workshop fire. Today, finding one in good condition with the original clip and clear markings is a small triumph. Prices at UK vintage fairs and online auctions typically range from £40 to £90, depending on colour intensity and wear. Barrettes with strong coral veining and a crisp “Made in England” stamp command the higher end. If you come across one with a missing or replaced spring, it is still worth buying—the resin itself is the treasure, and a new spring is a simple fix.

When examining a potential purchase, hold it up to natural light. The resin should be translucent at the edges, with no cracks or deep scratches. Check the clip for corrosion—a little tarnish on the nickel is normal, but rust means the brass has been compromised. Also, verify the stamp. Genuine Maison Archives pieces have a very specific serif font; later reproductions (which are rare but exist) use a sans-serif stamp.

One final detail: the Arizona Bow Barrette was often sold in a small grey cardboard box with a gold foil label reading “Maison Archives – Arizona”. The box is almost never found today, but if you ever see one, keep it—the box alone can add 30% to the value. And if you ever wear it to a vintage fair, be prepared for questions. This barrette has a way of starting conversations.