The Catarina Collection: Five Colours That Define a Vintage Icon
The Birth of a Modern Classic: Catarina Colours 5
The Catarina barrette first appeared in the catalogues of a small London workshop in 1922, though it took nearly a century for the design to find its true audience. Originally conceived as a practical slide for securing marcel waves, its clean lines and generous surface area made it an ideal canvas for decorative finishes. When the workshop’s archives were rediscovered in 2020, a note scribbled in pencil listed five colour recipes — amber tortoise, celadon, jet, rose quartz, and primrose yellow. These became the ‘Colours 5’ series, a tightly curated palette that has since become a benchmark for collectors who value historical accuracy over novelty.
Unlike the broader Bertha or Asta lines, which embraced multiple limited editions, the Catarina colours were never intended to be exhaustive. Each shade was chosen to evoke a distinct decade of British fashion history, and the manufacturing process — a slow, hand-poured resin technique — ensures subtle variations that give every piece a unique chatoyancy. For the vintage enthusiast, understanding these five colours is the first step toward building a cohesive collection.
1. Amber Tortoise: The Victorian Echo
The warm, honeyed tones of amber tortoise recall the celluloid combs of the 1890s, when natural tortoiseshell was still affordable. Catarina’s version is a modern resin that mimics the layered depth of the original material without any ethical concerns. Tiny flecks of darker brown are suspended in a translucent base, catching light like fossilised resin. This colour pairs beautifully with the Adelaide hair clip, a Victorian treasure for modern hair, as both share a reverence for Edwardian craftsmanship. Use an amber tortoise Catarina slide to anchor a low chignon for a day at the races or a countryside wedding.
2. Celadon Green: 1920s Elegance
Celadon – that elusive pale grey-green with a hint of sage – was a hallmark of Art Deco jewellery. The Catarina celadon is slightly opaque, with a matte finish that contrasts sharply with the gloss of the other colours. It whispers of flapper headbands and cigarette holders, yet it is surprisingly versatile in a modern context. Worn in clean, shoulder-length hair, it introduces a quiet, architectural note that links a simple silk blouse to the roaring twenties. Many collectors argue that this is the rarest of the five colours to find in perfect condition, as the pigment was notoriously difficult to stabilise.
3. Jet Black: The Deco Statement
Jet black needs no introduction. In the 1930s, black hair accessories signalled sophistication – think of the polished vulcanite slides worn by socialites at Claridge’s. The Catarina jet is deeply saturated, almost liquid, with a slight gloss that mimics the sheen of Bakelite. It does not chip or fade, making it an excellent choice for daily wear. A single jet Catarina barrette worn at the temple can transform a simple ponytail into an elegant evening look. For care, consult How Atom XML Feeds Keep Your Vintage Hair Accessory Collection Curated – though that guide is about digital curation, the principles of tracking your pieces apply equally to physical upkeep.
4. Rose Quartz: 1940s Romance
Not quite pink, not quite peach – rose quartz is the soft, blush tone that defined the utility chic of the war years, when frivolity was rationed but never abandoned. The Catarina rose quartz has a slight translucency, allowing light to warm the colour from within. It is the most flattering shade for fairer or silver hair, and it adds a feminune touch to a tweed jacket or a stern pencil skirt. Pair it with a velvet ribbon for a home-rolled victory curl.
5. Primrose Yellow: The Mid-Century Optimism
The fifth colour is a clear, buttery yellow that echoes the optimism of the 1950s New Look. Unlike the deeper buttercup of other collections, primrose is almost citrine – sunny without being garish. It works exeptionally well in thick, dark hair, creating a striking conrast. On lighter hair, it reads as a whisper of daisy. The primrose Catarina is often the one that draws new collectors in, for its cheerfulnes is irresistibel. It also inspires a playful styling approach: use it to secure a half-up style with wispy tendrils, echoing the carefree energy of a Hertfordshire garden party.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Each Catarina barrette is cast in a single piece of high-grade acrylic resin, using a slow-cure process that minimises bubbles and stress marks. The colour is added as a liquid pigment before pouring, ensuring the hue is integral to the material rather than surface-painted. This gives the accessory a depth that resembles vintage celluloid or early casein. The clasp is a spring-loaded French barrette mechanism – simple, robust, and easy to replace if ever needed. Unlike many modern production lines, the Catarina colours 5 are not plated or coated; the finish is polished directly on the resin, which means a gentle wipe with a soft cloth is all that’s required for everyday cleaning.
Styling the Catarina with a Contemporary Wardrobe
The beauty of these five colours lies in their neutrality. Despite being distinct, none of them scream ‘costume’. They integrate into a modern wardrobe as naturally as a leather belt or a silk scarf. For a minimalist look, choose a single colour that echoes a small detail in your outfit – the jet of a piped blazer, the celadon of a silk scarf. For a bolder approach, stack two or three barrettes in different colours on one side of the head, creating a graphic, artful cluster that feels both vintage and avant-garde. The key is to keepthe rest of the hairstyle simple: clean, brushed hair with a slight wave.
Care and Longevity
While the resin is durable, it is not indestructible. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can gradually shift the pigment – particularly in the celadon and primrose colours. Store flat in a lined box or a fabric pouch, separate from metal chains or other hard objects that could scratch the polished surface. If dust accumulates, rinse with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap, then dry immediately with a soft cloth. Never use acetone, alcohol, or abrasive cleanrs. The metal clasp may be gently tighten with pliers if it becomes too loose over years of use – a simple repair any jeweller can perform in minutes.
For a deeper dive into the care of similarly coloured hair accessories, the Adelaide hair clip guide offers a parallel set of instructions, as its Victorian-era restoration overlaps with the conservation needs of the Catarina resin.
A Collector’s Note on Patina
One of the most delightul aspects of the primrose yellow Catarina is its subtle colour shift over time. As the resin slowly ages – especially if exposed to gentle, indirect light – the yellow takes on a faint, honeyed warmth that no newly manufactured piece can replicate. This process, sometimes called ‘patina of colour’, is not a defect but a signature of authentic material. Collectors who buy two identical primrose barrettes today may find them slightly different in ten years, each telling the story of its own journey through drawers, handbags, and Saturday afternoons.