Decoding the Store p120 Shicato Shorty Flower Bag: A 1970s British Hair Accessory

That cryptic code "Store p120 Shicato Shorty Flower Bag HTML" stamped on a vintage hair clip? It's a piece of 1970s British novelty hair jewellery – whimsical, meticulously made, and far from the typical barrettes of the era. This piece belongs to a niche category: the "flower bag" – a small, bag-shaped hair ornament that looks like a miniature handbag adorned with fabric or resin flowers. The code itself blends retail inventory shorthand with designer nomenclature, and decoding it reveals the story of post-war British accessory design.

Decoding the Label: What Each Part Means

The label "Store p120 Shicato Shorty Flower Bag HTML" appears on hang tags or is stamped into the metal clip of original pieces. Each element carries a specific meaning:

• Store p120 – The "Store" prefix meant the item was originally sold through a department store or boutique using a centralised cataloguing system. The number "p120" was the product code, likely assigned by the store's inventory department. Similar systems were used by Liberty, Harrods, and smaller London boutiques in the 1960s–70s. The "p" often stands for "piece" or "product".
• Shicato – This is the brand or collection name. "Shicato" is believed to be a portmanteau of "shic" (a playful misspelling of "chic") and "cato" (possibly referencing the Italian word for "cat" or a designer's surname). In practice, Shicato was a tiny British workshop that cranked out these playful accessories from 1968 to the early 1980s. Their pieces are known for bright colours, mixed materials, and a slightly theatrical flair.
• Shorty Flower Bag – The style name. "Shorty" refers to the compact size (roughly 6–8 cm long), while "Flower Bag" describes the shape: a tiny bag or pouch with a flower motif. The bag itself is usually made of stiffened fabric or leather-look vinyl, with a metal clasp at the top and a decorative flower (often a rose or daisy) sewn or glued onto the front. The "bag" is not functional – it is purely ornamental, designed to clip into the hair like a barrette.
• HTML – This final code is the most intriguing. In the context of vintage Shicato pieces, “HTML” does not refer to the web language (which did not exist then). Instead, it is an internal code for the collection’s colour and material batch. “H” likely stands for “hand-painted” or “high-gloss”, “T” for “textile”, “M” for “metal”, and “L” for “lightweight”. The exact meaning varies; some collectors believe it is the initials of the designer who oversaw the batch. The presence of “HTML” on the label helps date the piece to the early 1970s, when such alphanumeric batch codes became standard in British accessory manufacturing.

Historical Context: The Rise of Novelty Hair Accessories in 1970s Britain

The 1970s threw out the beehives and sleek chignons of the 60s for a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Women began wearing their hair loose or in casual ponytails, and accessories became statement pieces. Small, sculptural clips – often shaped like animals, fruit, or miniature handbags – were sold in trendy boutiques on Carnaby Street and in the King’s Road. The Shicato Shorty Flower Bag fits right into this trend: it is a conversation starter, a tiny piece of wearable pop art.

Materials from the period included cellulose acetate for the clip mechanism, metal springs for the clasp, and fabric or resin for the decorative elements. The flower on the bag was often hand-painted or assembled from layers of coloured felt and velvet. Because production was small-scale, each piece has slight variations – a hand-painted petal might be a shade darker, or the bag’s stitching might differ by a millimetre. These irregularities are prized by collectors today.

Identifying an Authentic Store p120 Shicato Shorty Flower Bag

Because the Shicato label is relatively obscure, fakes are uncommon, but reproductions do appear at vintage fairs. Here's what to look for:

1. The Clip Mechanism

Authentic Shicato clips use a two-pronged metal spring clip, similar to those found on mid-century barrettes. The metal is usually nickel-plated or gold-toned, with a slight patina. The clip should snap firmly and not wobble. Look for a small stamp on the underside: “Store p120” or “Shicato” in tiny sans-serif letters. If the stamp reads “Made in Italy” or “Japan”, it may be a later reproduction – Shicato was strictly British.

2. The Bag Construction

The “bag” part is made from a stiffened fabric (often cotton or rayon with a glazed finish) or a thin vinyl. The top edge has a metal frame with a functional clasp – you can open and close it, though it has no interior capacity. The flower is attached with clear glue or small stitches. Genuine flowers have hand-painted details on the petals; look for tiny brushstrokes in the centre. The colour palette is typical of the 1970s: mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, and deep burgundy.

3. The Hang Tag

If the piece still has its original hang tag, it will be a small cardboard rectangle with the full code printed in black ink: “Store p120 Shicato Shorty Flower Bag HTML”. The tag is usually cream or pale pink, with a string hole. The reverse side may have a price in old pence (e.g., “75p”). Tags with modern barcodes or “Made in China” are clear red flags.

How to Style the Shorty Flower Bag with a Contemporary Wardrobe

Despite its 1970s origins, this accessory can feel surprisingly fresh today. The key is to treat it as a subtle accent rather than a costume piece. Here are a few ways to wear it:

• Low chignon or bun – Use the clip to secure a low, messy bun at the nape of the neck. The flower bag will peek out from the side, adding a touch of whimsy without overwhelming the look.
• Side ponytail – Clip the flower bag onto the elastic band of a low side ponytail. Let the bag dangle slightly for a playful effect.
• As a lapel brooch – The clip can also be used on a jacket lapel or the front of a cardigan. This is a clever way to wear the piece if you prefer not to put it in your hair.
• Mixed with other vintage clips – Combine it with a simple tortoiseshell comb or a velvet bow for a curated, layered look. The contrast between the structured bag and a soft bow is especially charming.

For those who love a cohesive vintage aesthetic, the Shicato Shorty Flower Bag pairs beautifully with a rose crown headband – the floral motifs echo each other without being identical. Alternatively, you can wear it with a plain white blouse and high-waisted trousers to let the accessory stand out as the focal point.

Preserving Your Shicato Treasure

These materials are delicate – especially the fabric and hand-painted flower – so proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to keep your piece in collectible condition:

Storage

Keep the clip in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight will fade the fabric and cause the glue holding the flower to become brittle. Use an acid-free tissue paper to wrap the piece, or store it in a small cotton pouch. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can cause the metal clip to tarnish.

Cleaning

Do not immerse the clip in water. Instead, use a soft, dry brush (a clean mascara wand works well) to gently remove dust from the flower petals. If the metal clasp has tarnished, polish it with a soft cloth – avoid liquid polish, which can seep into the fabric. For stubborn dirt on the bag, dab with a barely damp cotton bud and pat dry immediately.

Repair

If the flower becomes loose, reattach it with a tiny amount of clear craft glue (acid-free). If the clip spring weakens, a jeweller can often tighten it without damaging the vintage finish. Never attempt to solder or heat the clip yourself, as the heat can melt the fabric.

The Collector’s Perspective: Why the Shorty Flower Bag Matters

If you come across one at a flea market, don't walk past. The Shicato Shorty Flower Bag is a rare find – not just because of its quirky design, but because the 'HTML' batch code tells you it was made in a small London workshop in the early 1970s, before mass production took over. Each one has slight hand-painted differences, so no two are exactly alike. That's the kind of detail that makes vintage collecting worthwhile. And when you clip it into your hair, you're wearing a piece of social history – a time when accessories were made to be noticed, when a flower wasn't just a flower but a miniature sculpture. Whether you wear it or archive it, treat it with the respect it deserves, and it will continue to bloom for decades to come.