The Imogen Silky Bow Barrette: History, Materials, and Styling Tips

The Imogen Silky Bow Barrette in grey is one of those rare accessories that manages to be both demure and striking. Its soft, fabric-covered bow sits atop a sturdy metal barrette, a design that first appeared in British hair fashion in the early 1960s. Unlike the more rigid plastic or enamel bows of the same era, the Imogen uses a silk or rayon satin wrapped over a padded core, giving it a gentle, almost plush appearance. The colour grey – often described as “dove” or “smoke” in vintage catalogues – was chosen deliberately to complement the muted tweeds and wool crepes that dominated women’s wardrobes during that decade.

Origins and Historical Context

The Imogen barrette was produced by a small London-based haberdashery that specialised in hand-finished hair accessories for the mid-market. While the brand itself has long since closed, its pieces survive in charity shops, estate sales, and private collections. The name “Imogen” likely referred to a seasonal collection named after literary heroines – a common marketing tactic in post-war Britain. Grey, in particular, enjoyed a revival during the early 1960s as an alternative to the ubiquitous navy and black, offering a softer neutral that worked well with the pastel lipsticks and pearl jewellery of the time.

Materials and Construction

Authentic Imogen barrettes are constructed from three main components:

• The bow fabric: A high-twist silk satin or, in later production runs, a fine rayon. The grey colour was achieved with aniline dyes that have proven remarkably stable – most surviving examples show only slight fading along the fold lines.
• The padding: A thin layer of cotton wadding or felt inside the bow to give it shape. This is what creates the “silky” feel, as the fabric is taut but yielding.
• The barrette clip: A nickel-plated or silver-toned metal spring clip, often stamped with the word “Imogen” on the inside of the hinge. The clip is approximately 5 cm long, with a gentle curve to hold the hair securely without pulling.

One detail collectors look for is the hand-stitched seam along the back of the bow. Machine stitching became standard by the late 1960s, so a hand-finished example indicates an earlier, higher-quality piece.

How to Spot an Original Imogen Barrette

Because the Imogen name is not widely known, reproductions are rare. However, later copies from the 1980s sometimes appear. Here is a quick checklist:

• Markings: Look for “Imogen” stamped in tiny block letters on the metal clip. Absence does not guarantee a fake – some early clips were unmarked – but the presence of any other brand name rules it out.
• Fabric feel: Genuine silk satin has a subtle irregularity in the weave; synthetic copies feel uniformly slick and often have a plasticky sheen.
• Bow shape: The original bow has a distinct “butterfly” silhouette when viewed from above – two rounded loops meeting at a narrow centre. Imitations tend to have a simpler, flatter shape.
• Age signs: Minor rust on the clip hinge, a slight yellowing of the white inner lining, or a faint perfume scent are all consistent with a 50‑year‑old accessory.

Styling the Imogen Barrette with a Modern Wardrobe

The grey bow barrette works surprisingly well with contemporary outfits. Its muted tone avoids the costume‑like feel of brighter reds or blues, making it suitable for office wear or a day out. Try pairing it with a cream linen blouse and charcoal trousers for a refined look, or use it to add a soft focal point to an all‑black ensemble. The barrette holds best in medium‑thick hair; for finer textures, a small dab of hairspray on the clip before insertion gives extra grip. Grey sits beautifully alongside the muted tones explored in our collector's guide to three vintage hair accessory hues, where we discuss how neutrals interact with other colours in a vintage wardrobe.

Care and Preservation

Because the fabric bow is delicate, avoid getting it wet. If the barrette becomes dusty, use a soft, dry paintbrush to gently sweep the surface. Never submerge the clip in water – the metal will rust and the padding may swell. Store the barrette lying flat, preferably in a fabric‑lined box or wrapped in acid‑free tissue paper. Keep it away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure will fade the grey into a dull beige. With proper care, an Imogen barrette can easily last another fifty years.

When storing your Imogen barrette, wrap the bow in acid-free tissue paper to prevent the silk from creasing against the metal clip. This simple step preserves the bow’s plump shape and keeps the metal from leaving pressure marks on the fabric.