The Camila Wicker Bag Hair Clip: A Vintage Seaside Treasure

If you have ever come across a small, woven wicker hair clip shaped like a miniature handbag, you have likely encountered the elusive ‘Camila wicker bag’ — a product code that has puzzled collectors for decades. Known in vintage catalogues as Store P79, this clip is neither a bag nor a basket, but a whimsical hair ornament that first appeared in British seaside resorts during the 1950s. Its design mimics the popular wicker shopping bags of the era, scaled down to a length of just 6 centimetres and fitted with a sturdy metal alligator clip on the reverse. The result is a playful yet practical accessory that captures the lighthearted spirit of post-war British summer fashion.

The Camila wicker bag clip stands apart from other mid-century hair accessories because of its construction. Rather than moulded plastic or stamped metal, the body is hand-woven from natural rattan or willow, then sealed with a thin coat of shellac to protect against humidity. The weave is tight and even, often featuring a subtle herringbone pattern along the sides. A tiny leather or fabric handle is attached at the top, completing the illusion of a handbag. These handles are usually brown or tan, though some rare examples show red or green leather — likely special editions for holidaymakers in places like Brighton or Bournemouth.

How to Identify an Authentic Store P79 Camila Wicker Bag Clip

Because the Camila wicker bag was produced in relatively small numbers — mostly by independent craftspeople in East Sussex — fakes are uncommon but replicas do appear. Here are the key markers of an original:

• Clip mechanism: Original pieces use a brass alligator clip with a single coil spring. The metal should show a warm patina, not bright shiny gold or silver.
• Weave density: Authentic wicker has approximately 12–14 strands per inch. Modern reproductions often use thicker reeds and fewer strands.
• Handle attachment: On genuine clips, the handle is stitched through the wicker with waxed thread. Glued handles indicate a later copy.
• Stamp or label: Many originals bear a tiny paper sticker on the back reading “Camila – Made in England” or “P79”. Over time these stickers may be missing, but the glue residue often remains.
• Weight: An authentic clip feels substantial for its size — about 8–10 grams — because of the brass clip and dense wicker. Lightweight versions are almost certainly modern.

If you find a clip that matches these details, you have a true piece of British holiday heritage. The design is so distinctive that it has become a cult favourite among collectors of vintage hair accessories, often appearing alongside other seaside-themed pieces such as The Vintage Starfish Hair Clip: A Piece of British Seaside History.

Materials and Craftsmanship: Why Wicker Works for Hair

Wicker might seem an unusual choice for a hair clip — it is lightweight yet rigid, and its open weave allows air to circulate, preventing the clip from trapping moisture against the scalp. The shellac coating adds a subtle sheen and makes the surface smooth enough to slide through hair without snagging. Makers in the 1950s often sourced their rattan from the British Empire, primarily Malaya and Singapore, where the material was abundant and inexpensive. Skilled weavers could produce a single clip in about 20 minutes, working from a simple wooden mould that gave the bag shape.

The metal clip itself deserves attention. Most Camila clips use a French-style alligator clip with teeth that are slightly rounded to avoid breaking fine hair. The spring tension is moderate — strong enough to hold thick hair but gentle enough for a silk scarf or a thin strand. Over the decades, the spring may weaken, but a competent jeweller can replace it without damaging the wicker.

Styling the Camila Wicker Bag Clip with a Modern Wardrobe

Despite its vintage origin, the Camila wicker bag clip pairs surprisingly well with contemporary outfits. Its neutral tan and brown tones complement earthy palettes — linen dresses, khaki trousers, cream blouses. For a British summer garden party, try securing a low side ponytail with the clip, letting the bag shape hang like a tiny pendant. Alternatively, use it as a decorative accent on a half-up, half-down style, sliding it horizontally just above the ear.

For evening wear, the wicker texture adds an interesting contrast to silk or velvet. A black slip dress with a gold chain belt and the Camila clip in your hair creates a look that is both nostalgic and fresh. Avoid pairing it with heavily patterned clothing, as the clip’s woven detail deserves to stand out. And because the clip is small, it works equally well on short hair — simply use it to hold back a side fringe or to secure a twist at the nape of the neck.

Caring for Your Wicker Hair Clip

Wicker is durable but sensitive to extreme conditions. Here are practical steps to keep your Store P79 in excellent condition:

1. Keep it dry: Wicker will swell and warp if soaked. Remove the clip before swimming or showering, and never store it in a damp bathroom.
2. Clean gently: Dust the weave with a soft, dry paintbrush. For stubborn dirt, use a barely damp cotton bud — never submerge the clip in water.
3. Condition the wicker: Once a year, apply a tiny drop of beeswax to a cloth and rub it lightly over the surface. This prevents the rattan from drying out and cracking.
4. Protect the clip: The brass spring can tarnish. If it becomes stiff, apply a minuscule amount of sewing machine oil to the hinge and work it in gently.
5. Store properly: Wrap the clip in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a sturdy box away from direct sunlight. Do not stack heavy items on top of it, as the wicker can deform under pressure.

When storing your Camila clip, wrap it in acid-free tissue and keep it in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent the wicker from drying out. A small silica gel packet inside the storage box helps control humidity, especially in the British climate where damp can be a constant threat to natural materials.