The Buttercups Midi Colors 11: A Collector’s Guide to 1979’s Iconic Hair Clip

The Buttercups Midi Colors 11 arrived on British counters in the autumn of 1979, offering exactly eleven distinct shades in a single midi-sized clip. Unlike the earlier Midi Colors 10 set, which leaned heavily on pastels, this edition introduced four earthier tones alongside the expected pinks and blues. For collectors of vintage hair accessories, understanding what made this particular release special means looking at the plastic composition, the clip mechanism, and the precise order in which colours appeared in the original display boxes.

What Makes the Midi Colors 11 Different

The term “Midi” in Buttercups’ naming convention referred to the clip’s length – approximately 6.5 centimetres – a size that sat between the petite “Mini” and the full-size “Maxi” slides. The Midi Colors 11 was the first in the series to use a reinforced acetate blend that reduced breakage at the hinge point, a common complaint with earlier midi clips. The eleven colours were not arbitrary; Buttercups’ design team selected them to coordinate with the autumn/winter 1979 ready-to-wear collections from London houses such as Bill Gibb and Jean Muir. The palette included:

• Ivory Cream
• Dusty Rose
• Moss Green
• Charcoal Grey
• Burgundy Red
• Navy Blue
• Soft Lemon
• Lavender Grey
• Terracotta
• Midnight Plum
• Peach Blush

Each clip bore a subtle embossed ‘Buttercups Midi 11’ on the inner arm, a detail that helps collectors date their finds. The Moss Green and Charcoal Grey were particularly short-lived, making them the most sought-after hues today.

Materials and Construction

Buttercups used a cellulose acetate compound that was popular in late-1970s haberdashery. Unlike injection-moulded plastics, acetate has a subtle translucency and a warm feel to the touch – qualities that distinguish genuine vintage pieces from later reproductions. The Midi Colors 11 clips feature a spring-loaded metal core encased in the acetate, with a two-pronged grip that holds firmly without snagging fine hair. The metal core was stainless steel, but early batches used a copper alloy that has since developed a distinctive green patina on the visible pivot points. This patina is not a defect; it is a natural aging sign that experienced collectors welcome as proof of authenticity.

The colour pigments were mixed directly into the acetate during the sheeting process, meaning each clip’s colour runs all the way through. This makes superficial scratches far less noticeable than on painted or coated accessories. If you own a Midi Colors 11 clip with a slightly cloudy surface, a gentle polish with a soft, dry microfiber cloth can often restore its original lustre. Avoid any solvent-based cleaners – they will dull the acetate permanently.

How to Spot a Genuine Midi Colors 11

Because of its popularity, the Midi Colors 11 has been copied by modern fast-fashion brands. Here are the telltale signs of an original:

• Weight: Acetate feels heavier than modern poly-resin. A genuine clip weighs about 12 grams.
• Edge finish: Original Buttercups clips have a hand-polished bevelled edge, not a sharp mould line.
• Spring tension: The spring should have a firm but not stiff resistance – too loose or too tight suggests a replacement part or a counterfeit.
• Colour depth: Hold the clip up to light. Acetate glows with a milky translucence; opaque plastics do not.

If you are shopping at car boot sales or vintage fairs in the UK, the Moss Green and Terracotta shades are the rarest finds. Expect to pay between £15 and £35 for a single clip in good condition, depending on colour rarity.

Styling the Midi Colors 11 with a Modern Wardrobe

The midi size is remarkably versatile. It works equally well as a side-swept accent on a low ponytail or as a centrepiece on a half-up style. For readers who love combining vintage accessories with contemporary clothing, try pairing the Charcoal Grey clip with a crisp white shirt and a tailored blazer – the grey adds a quiet period touch without looking costume-like. The Soft Lemon clip looks unexpectedly fresh against a navy cashmere jumper, echoing the contrast that made 1970s editorial spreads so distinctive.

A particularly harmonious outfit starts with a classic 1980s midi dress in a solid tone – say, a forest green wool crepe – and adds the Moss Green or Terracotta Buttercups clip. For more ideas on how a structured midi dress serves as an ideal backdrop for vintage hair accessories, the blog has a dedicated guide on the 80s Midi Dress: A Perfect Canvas for Vintage Hair Accessories. The clean lines of a midi dress allow the clip’s colour and form to become the focal point.

Care and Long-Term Preservation

Acetate is sensitive to extreme temperatures and prolonged direct sunlight. Store your Midi Colors 11 clips in a fabric-lined box or a drawer away from windows. Never leave them in a car glovebox on a summer day – the heat can warp the plastic and cause the metal core to separate. If a clip becomes sticky or tacky, it may be experiencing “vinegar syndrome” where the acetate begins to break down. This is rare in Buttercups clips from 1979 but possible if the piece was stored in high humidity. A slow airing in a dry, dark space for a few weeks can sometimes reverse the stickiness. Do not use oils or waxes.

For everyday use, simply wipe the clip with a dry cloth after wearing to remove hairspray residue or natural oils from the scalp. Avoid immersing the clip in water – the metal spring can rust. With proper care, a Buttercups Midi Colors 11 clip will last another forty years.

The Collector’s Route to Completing the Set

Because the eleven clips were sold individually as well as in sets, finding all eleven colours in identical condition is a challenge. The two rarest – Moss Green and Charcoal Grey – were discontinued within six months of launch, so they account for the highest prices on platforms like eBay UK and in vintage jewellery stalls. A complete set of all eleven in original packaging (the slim white card with the Buttercups logo and a clear plastic window) can fetch upwards of £200. If you are starting a collection, focus first on the more common Dusty Rose, Ivory Cream, and Soft Lemon – they are plentiful and give you the satisfaction of near-completeness while you hunt for the elusive greens and greys.

One practical tip: ask sellers to measure the clip length. Many later “midi” clips from other brands are actually 7 cm or more, so a true Buttercups midi should be exactly 6.5 cm from hinge to tip. The embossed ‘Midi 11’ marking is your best insurance. If you ever need to gift a Buttercups set to a fellow enthusiast but are unsure which colours they already own, a vintage hair accessories gift card allows them to select precisely the shade they are missing.

Seasoned collectors know that finding a Moss Green clip with the original patina on the pivot points is like uncovering a small treasure. Newcomers often start with a Dusty Rose or Soft Lemon, then get hooked on the hunt for the rest. Either way, each Buttercups Midi Colors 11 clip you hold is a piece of British fashion history that still works perfectly in your hair today.