Products Catarina Colours 1: A Collector’s Guide to the First Series

When the Catarina line first appeared in British accessory catalogues of the early 1970s, it was neither loud nor ostentatious. The initial colour offering — now referred to as Catarina Colours 1 — comprised six understated shades designed to complement the era’s flowing maxi dresses and tailored trouser suits. For today’s vintage collector, understanding this first series is essential: later reissues and expansions changed the palette significantly, and the true Catarina 1 pieces are becoming scarce.

What Defines Catarina Colours 1?

The Catarina Colours 1 series was produced between 1972 and 1975 by a small Birmingham-based manufacturer whose name appears only on early trade labels. The colours were:

• Pewter Grey — a cool, slightly metallic neutral that reads as silver in low light.
• Dusty Rose — a muted pink with brown undertones, not to be confused with later bright rose versions.
• Moss Green — an olive-tinged green that pairs naturally with tweed and corduroy.
• Buttercream — a warm off-white with a faint yellow cast, distinct from stark white or cream in later runs.
• Smoky Topaz — a translucent brownish-amber, often mistaken for tortoiseshell but lacking the mottled pattern.
• Slate Blue — a grey-blue that leans more towards denim than sky.

Each piece in the Catarina Colours 1 line was stamped with a tiny ‘C1’ code on the reverse of the clip mechanism. This marking is the single most reliable way to distinguish a first-series piece from later reproductions or similar-looking accessories by other makers.

Materials and Construction

Unlike many budget hair accessories of the period, Catarina Colours 1 items were made from cellulose acetate rather than injection-moulded plastic. The difference is palpable: acetate has a slight warmth to the touch, a subtle translucency, and a characteristic smell when exposed to heat. The clip springs were nickel-plated steel, and the hinge pins were brass — details that matter when assessing wear and authenticity.

The finish on Catarina Colours 1 pieces is matte, not glossy. This was a deliberate design choice: the manufacturer wanted the clips to sit quietly in the hair, not to compete with the fabric of a velvet maxi dress or a chunky knit cardigan. Over time, the matte surface may develop a gentle polish from handling, but a high-shine piece is almost certainly from a later series or a different brand entirely.

Why the Palette Changed

By 1976, consumer tastes had shifted. The muted earth tones of Catarina Colours 1 gave way to brighter, more saturated hues in Catarina Colours 2 and 3. Many vintage enthusiasts prefer the first series precisely because of its subtlety. A Dusty Rose clip, for instance, will not fight for attention with a printed floral blouse; it will simply tie the look together. Similarly, Slate Blue works as an almost-neutral, allowing the wearer to pair it with navy, grey, or even black without creating a colour clash.

How to Identify Genuine Catarina Colours 1 Pieces

If you are browsing a vintage fair or an online marketplace, here is a quick checklist to confirm you are looking at a Catarina Colours 1 item:

• Check for the ‘C1’ stamp. It is usually inside the clip arm, near the hinge. Use a magnifying glass if needed.
• Examine the colour depth. Catarina Colours 1 shades are never neon, never pastel, and never pure black. If the colour looks too bright or too flat, it is likely a later edition.
• Feel the surface. Matte finish, not glossy. A piece that reflects light like a mirror is not from this series.
• Smell the acetate. A faint vinegary or woody scent when rubbed briskly is a good sign. Modern plastic has no such odour.
• Look at the spring. Nickel-plated springs tarnish to a dull grey over decades. Bright silver or gold-toned springs indicate a newer piece.

One common pitfall: some sellers list later Catarina pieces as ‘Colours 1’ because they assume all early-70s items belong to the first series. Always verify the code before purchasing.

Styling Catarina Colours 1 with a Modern Wardrobe

The beauty of this palette is its compatibility with contemporary fashion. A Pewter Grey clip can be worn with a charcoal wool blazer for a monochrome office look. Moss Green works surprisingly well with rust-coloured corduroy trousers or a cream silk blouse. Buttercream is the most versatile of the six: it blends with white, beige, and even pale pink, making it a safe daily accessory.

If you own a 1970s maxi dress and want to keep the outfit period-accurate, choose a Slate Blue or Dusty Rose Catarina clip. The muted tones will echo the fabric dyes used in that decade without looking like a costume piece. For a more detailed discussion of pairing vintage accessories with specific dress styles, see our guide on Hair Accessories for the 1970s Maxi Dress.

Caring for Catarina Colours 1 Acetate

Cellulose acetate is more sensitive than modern plastics. It can warp in heat, fade in direct sunlight, and become brittle if stored in very dry conditions. Here are a few practical care tips for your Catarina Colours 1 collection:

• Store away from radiators and windows. A cool, dark drawer or a fabric-lined jewellery box is ideal.
• Clean with a damp, soft cloth only. No alcohol, no acetone, no jewellery cleaning solutions. Acetate reacts badly to solvents.
• Do not force the clip open. If the spring feels stiff, apply a tiny drop of sewing machine oil to the hinge and work it gently. Forcing can crack the acetate.
• Keep pieces separated. Acetate clips can transfer colour to each other if stored in direct contact for years. Use individual pouches or soft tissue between them.

For more general advice on maintaining your vintage hair accessory collection, our article App Ads.txt for Vintage Accessories Apps: A Practical Guide includes a section on storage and conservation — though the title may sound technical, the care recommendations apply to physical pieces as well.

Building a Catarina Colours 1 Collection

Because the first series was produced for only three years, complete sets are rare. Most collectors focus on acquiring individual colours as they appear. The hardest to find is Moss Green; it seems to have been the least popular at the time, and surviving examples are often in well-worn condition. Pewter Grey and Buttercream are more common, but still not abundant.

Prices vary widely. A single Catarina Colours 1 clip in good condition typically sells for £15–£35 at UK vintage fairs. Online auctions can go higher, especially if the piece comes with its original card or packaging. Be wary of listings that show a full set of six — complete sets are almost always assembled from different series unless the seller provides clear photos of each ‘C1’ stamp.

If you find a piece with a broken spring but intact acetate, it is usually worth repairing. A jeweller or watchmaker can replace the spring for a modest fee, and the colour will still be authentic. Discarding a damaged Catarina Colours 1 clip because of a mechanical fault is a loss to the collecting community.

Why Catarina Colours 1 Matters Today

In an era of fast fashion and disposable accessories, the Catarina Colours 1 series represents a moment when design was deliberate and materials were chosen for longevity. These clips were never trend-driven in the way later neon and glitter pieces were. They were made to accompany a wardrobe, not to dominate it. For the thoughtful dresser who values subtlety and provenance, Catarina Colours 1 offers a quiet, wearable piece of British accessory history.