The Store p575 Skye Poodle Hairclip: A Mid-Century British Novelty

The first time I held a Skye Poodle hairclip, I laughed out loud. Not at the clip itself, but at the sheer audacity of its design: a perfectly sculpted poodle head, complete with a pom-pom topknot and a tiny rhinestone collar, perched atop a sturdy metal spring clamp. It was whimsical, yes, but also impeccably made—the kind of object that could only emerge from a moment in British fashion when humour and craftsmanship walked hand in hand. The Store p575 Skye Poodle is not merely a hair accessory; it is a tiny sculpture, a conversation piece, and a window into the playful side of mid-century style.

What Exactly Is the Store p575 Skye Poodle Hairclip?

The Store p575 Skye Poodle is a spring-loaded hairclip featuring a three-dimensional poodle head made from painted metal or high-quality resin, depending on the production run. The poodle’s face is rendered with surprising detail—alert eyes, a neat black nose, and floppy ears that frame the clip’s hinge. The topknot is a fluffy puff of textured material, often mohair or acrylic, dyed in shades from snowy white to blush pink. A small rhinestone or coloured glass stone sits at the collar, adding a touch of sparkle. The clip mechanism itself is a classic French-style spring clamp, nickel-plated and designed to hold firmly without snagging hair. Most examples measure about 6 cm in length and 4 cm in height, making them substantial enough to anchor a section of hair without overwhelming the head.

This particular model, catalogued as p575 within the Maison Archives system, dates to the late 1950s or early 1960s. The “Skye” in its name likely refers to the Skye terrier breed, though the clip clearly depicts a poodle—a charming misnomer that collectors have come to love. The clip was produced in limited quantities, probably by a small London-based workshop that specialised in novelty hair accessories for the luxury market. Surviving examples are rare, and condition varies widely: some retain their original topknot fluff, while others show the metal base beneath worn fibres.

Why the Poodle? A Brief Cultural Context

To understand the Skye Poodle clip, we need to look at the poodle’s place in mid-century British culture. Poodles were the dogs of the fashionable elite in the 1950s and 1960s. They appeared in advertisements for perfume, handbags, and even cars. The breed’s association with sophistication, paired with its inherently comical appearance (those pom-poms!), made it a perfect motif for whimsical accessories. Hairclips, brooches, and earrings shaped like poodles were everywhere, but the three-dimensional clip format was relatively rare. Most poodle jewellery was flat enamel or stamped metal; the Skye Poodle’s sculpted form set it apart.

The clip also reflects a broader trend in British hair accessories of the era: the move toward novelty and personal expression. The 1950s had been dominated by structured, formal styles—sleek chignons held by tortoiseshell combs, or simple barrettes in neutral tones. By the early 1960s, women were experimenting with volume, texture, and colour. Hairclips became playful. The Skye Poodle, with its fluffy topknot and sparkly collar, was a perfect accent for the beehive or the bouffant, adding a touch of irreverence to an otherwise polished look.

Materials and Construction: What Makes It Special

The Skye Poodle clip is a study in mid-century manufacturing techniques. The poodle head is cast in a zinc alloy or sometimes a heavy resin, then hand-painted with enamel. The painting is remarkably consistent across surviving examples: the eyes are black dots with a white highlight, the nose is glossy black, and the ears are outlined in dark brown or black. The topknot is attached via a small metal post set into the top of the head, then glued and secured with a tiny metal disc. The mohair or acrylic fibres are tufted and trimmed by hand, giving each clip a slightly individual character.

The spring mechanism deserves special mention. Unlike modern hairclips that rely on a single coil spring, the Skye Poodle uses a double-coil system wrapped around a central pin. This design distributes pressure evenly, reducing the risk of kinking or breaking hair. The teeth are rounded and smooth, set at a slight angle to grip without pulling. It is a small engineering marvel, and it explains why so many of these clips have survived in working order after sixty years.

How to Identify an Authentic Store p575 Skye Poodle

Because the Skye Poodle is a sought-after collectible, reproductions and homages have appeared in recent years. Here is how to tell an original from a modern copy:

• Weight: The original is heavier than it looks. The zinc alloy base gives it a satisfying heft. Modern resin copies feel hollow or plasticky.
• Paint finish: Original enamel has a slight gloss and shows tiny brush strokes under magnification. Reproductions often have a flat, uniform spray paint.
• Topknot fibre: Vintage mohair or acrylic feels slightly coarse and has a matte sheen. Modern synthetic fibres are often too shiny or too soft.
• Rhinestone: The original stone is a clear round-cut rhinestone set in a closed-back brass bezel. Reproductions may use plastic or open-back settings.
• Markings: Some original clips have a tiny “MADE IN ENGLAND” stamp on the inside of the spring arm. Not all examples are marked, but a marking is a strong indicator of authenticity.

If you are considering adding a Skye Poodle to your collection, examine the condition of the topknot first. That is almost always the first part to degrade. A clip with intact, full fibre is worth significantly more than one with bald patches. The spring tension should also be checked: a clip that opens and closes with a firm, smooth action is ideal. Loose or rusty springs can sometimes be repaired by a jeweller, but it is a delicate process.

Styling the Skye Poodle with a Modern Wardrobe

A clip as distinctive as the Skye Poodle demands thoughtful styling. The instinct might be to treat it as a costume piece, reserved for themed parties or vintage-only outfits. But I have found that the Skye Poodle works beautifully in everyday looks, provided you let it take centre stage. Here are three approaches that I have tested and loved:

1. The Low Ponytail Anchor

Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, and use the Skye Poodle to secure the base. The poodle’s head will sit just above the elastic, visible from the front and side. Pair this with a simple cashmere jumper and tailored trousers. The clip adds a playful note without competing with the outfit’s clean lines.

2. The Side Sweep

For medium to long hair, sweep all your hair to one side and secure it with the Skye Poodle at temple height. Let a few strands fall loose around the face. This works particularly well with a high-necked blouse or a collared dress, as the clip draws the eye upward. The rhinestone collar catches the light subtly—no need for other jewellery.

3. The Half-Up Crown

Take a section of hair from the crown, twist it gently, and pin it forward, then secure the twist with the Skye Poodle at the top of the head. The poodle will appear to be peeking out from your hair. This style is unexpected and charming, perfect for a weekend brunch or a gallery visit.

If you enjoy the playful spirit of the Skye Poodle, you might also appreciate The Emoji Organic Basket: A 1970s Hair Accessory Rediscovered, another piece that brings humour to hair with its woven basket form and cheerful face motif.

Caring for Your Skye Poodle Clip

Vintage hair accessories require a gentle hand. The Skye Poodle’s painted surface can be cleaned with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. If the topknot has become dusty, use a clean, dry toothbrush to fluff the fibres gently. Do not use water or any cleaning solution on the fibre, as it may cause discolouration or shrinkage. Store the clip in a padded box or a fabric pouch, separate from other accessories, to prevent scratching. Avoid exposing the clip to direct sunlight for long periods, as the enamel can fade and the fibre can become brittle.

The spring mechanism benefits from occasional light lubrication. A tiny drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge pin, applied with a toothpick, will keep the action smooth. Wipe away any excess immediately. Never use WD-40 or any solvent-based lubricant, as it can damage the paint and the metal finish.

Where to Find the Skye Poodle Today

The Store p575 Skye Poodle appears at estate sales, specialist vintage accessory markets, and online auctions. Prices range from £40 for a clip in fair condition (worn paint, missing topknot fibre) to over £200 for a pristine example with original box. The clip is also occasionally found in the collections of vintage jewellery dealers who specialise in mid-century novelties. Patience is key: because the Skye Poodle was produced in small numbers, it does not surface frequently. When it does, it tends to sell quickly.

For collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship of mid-century British hair accessories, the Skye Poodle is a rewarding addition. It connects us to an era when fashion dared to be funny, when a woman could pin a poodle to her hair and walk out the door with confidence. That spirit of joyful self-expression is timeless.

Before you go hunting, however, take a moment to understand the clip’s lineage. The Maison Archives system, which catalogues these pieces, also includes other mid-century treasures such as The Sukie Barrette: A Mid-Century Maison Archives Treasure, a simpler but equally elegant piece that shows the range of the era’s design. Comparing the two can sharpen your eye for quality and help you build a more discerning collection.