The Imogen Silky Bow Barrette in Pink: A Vintage Hair Accessory Worth Knowing

Among the many hair accessories that surface at vintage fairs and online auctions, the Imogen silky bow barrette in pink stands out for its quiet confidence. It is not a flamboyant piece, nor does it try to imitate the grand metallic combs of the 1920s or the sculptural plastic slides of the 1980s. Instead, it belongs to that category of accessories that feel both familiar and refined—a soft fabric bow mounted on a metal barrette clip, finished in a shade of pink that avoids both saccharine sweetness and muddy neutrality. The barrette measures roughly 7.5 cm in length, with the bow itself rising about 3 cm above the clip, making it substantial enough to hold a side section of hair without overwhelming the silhouette.

Identifying an Original Imogen Barrette

The name “Imogen” appears on a small metal plate pressed into the back of the clip on authentic pieces—a detail that is easy to overlook but crucial for collectors. The barrette mechanism is a spring-loaded hinge with a two-pronged grip, typical of mid-century British hair clips but executed with notably smooth edges. The bow itself is made from a silk-blend fabric with a subtle sheen; the material is stitched at the centre and gathered into two even loops, then secured to the clip with a concealed wire. The pink colour is consistent across the entire bow, with no fading or discolouration on the underside if the piece has been stored properly. Imogen barrettes were produced in several colours—black, navy, cream, and this pink—but the pink variant is the one that surfaces least frequently in the secondary market.

Materials and Construction Quality

The metal clip is nickel-plated brass, which explains why many surviving examples still open and close without rust or stiffness. The fabric is a taffeta-like silk blend, chosen for its ability to hold a crisp bow shape even after decades of storage. The centre knot is reinforced with a small running stitch, and the tails of the bow are cut on the bias to prevent fraying. This attention to construction detail is what separates the Imogen barrette from the countless cloth-covered clips that flooded the market later. The barrette was designed to be worn and reused, not discarded after a single occasion. The wire that attaches the bow to the clip is wrapped in matching thread, so it does not catch on hair or create a visible metal line.

Dating the Piece: 1950s to Early 1960s

The Imogen silky bow barrette belongs to a period when British accessory makers were experimenting with softer, more feminine forms as a counterpoint to the structured hats and veils of the immediate post-war years. The spring-clip mechanism, the absence of a maker’s hallmark beyond the nameplate, and the use of synthetic-blend silk all point to a production window between the mid-1950s and the early 1960s. The pink colour itself—a muted rose with a hint of warmth—is consistent with the cosmetic and fashion palettes of that era, as seen in contemporary lipstick shades and fabric swatches from British textile mills. Unlike the later plastic bows of the 1970s, the Imogen barrette retains a hand-finished quality that signals small-batch manufacturing, possibly by a London-based haberdashery supplier.

How to Wear the Imogen Pink Bow Barrette Today

The practicality of this barrette lies in its size and grip. It holds a section of hair—about two fingers’ width—securely without slipping, yet it does not dent or crease the hair after removal. For a modern outfit, the barrette works well as a single accent at the temple, securing a deep side part. It also pairs naturally with a low ponytail or a half-up twist, where the bow sits just above the nape of the neck. The pink colour complements neutrals like cream, grey, navy, and charcoal, and it adds a soft contrast to darker tones such as forest green or burgundy. The barrette is not meant to match an outfit exactly; its value is in the subtle colour harmony it creates.

Care and Storage for Fabric Bow Barrettes

Fabric-covered clips require different care than metal or plastic accessories. The silk blend on the Imogen barrette is delicate and can be crushed if stored under weight. The best storage method is a flat padded tray or a small fabric pouch, with the clip closed and the bow facing upward. Avoid hanging the barrette by the bow, as the wire can stretch over time. If the fabric becomes slightly flattened, a brief exposure to steam—holding the barrette a few inches away from a kettle spout or a handheld steamer—can restore the loft of the bow. Do not touch the fabric with the steam source directly, and let the piece cool completely before wearing. For light soiling, a barely damp cotton bud dabbed on the fabric surface, followed by air drying, is sufficient; the barrette should never be submerged in water.

Collecting and Pricing

Original Imogen barrettes in pink are not common. At vintage accessory fairs in the UK, they typically appear in the price range of £15 to £35, depending on condition. The key factors that affect value are the integrity of the fabric (no fraying at the edges or centre knot), the action of the clip (it should open and close with a firm snap), and the presence of the nameplate. Replacement clips or bows that have been reattached with modern glue reduce the piece to a lower tier of collectability. The pink variant commands a premium over black or navy because of its relative scarcity and its appeal to collectors who focus on pastel accessories from the 1950s.

Distinguishing the Imogen from Similar Barrettes

Several British manufacturers produced fabric bow barrettes in the same period, including brands such as Celeste, Dorcas, and the house label of the department store chain John Lewis. The Imogen barrette can be distinguished by the specific shape of its bow loops, which are slightly narrower at the centre and fuller at the outer edges, giving it a silhouette that resembles a butterfly in profile. The nameplate is also a reliable identifier, as most competing brands used embossed text on the clip itself rather than a separate metal plate. If you encounter a barrette that looks similar but lacks the nameplate, examine the stitching: Imogen bows use a double stitch at the centre, visible on the underside, whereas many cheaper copies used a single stitch or a glued centre knot.

Pairing with Other Vintage Accessories

The Imogen bow barrette in pink works well alongside other small-scale vintage accessories that share its muted colour sensibility. A pair of chicken web pearl earrings, for instance, echoes the soft lustre of the fabric without competing for attention. Similarly, a conch shell hair slide in a neutral tone can be worn on the opposite side of the head for a balanced, layered look. The key is to keep the overall arrangement asymmetrical and light—the barrette should read as an accent, not a statement piece.

What to Avoid When Buying

• Barrettes with fabric that has been dyed unevenly or shows water stains—these are nearly impossible to restore without replacing the fabric entirely.
• Clips that are bent or do not close flush—the metal can be gently adjusted, but repeated bending weakens the spring.
• Bows that have been detached and re-glued—the original wire attachment is a sign of authenticity; glue suggests a repair or a composite piece.
• Pieces offered without a clear view of the back of the clip—the nameplate and the hinge condition are essential for verification.

A Final Note on Wearing and Enjoying the Barrette

The Imogen silky bow barrette in pink is not a rare museum piece, but it is a well-made example of mid-century British accessory design that still functions perfectly today. Its charm lies in the fact that it was made to be used, not just displayed. If you find one in good condition, wear it on a day when you want a small, deliberate detail in your hair—something that does not shout but still catches the light when you turn your head. The barrette will hold your hair in place, and the pink bow will add a note of warmth that no metal clip can replicate.