The Store P171 Anais Barrette: A Vintage Tortoiseshell Classic

Among the quiet treasures of British vintage hair accessories, the tortoiseshell barrette holds a special place. Not every piece carries a name, but the Store P171 Anais is one that does—and that name alone hints at a story. Unlike the anonymous mass-produced clips of the mid-century, the Anais barrette feels personal, almost as if it was designed for a particular woman with a particular taste for understated elegance. The rich, warm amber-brown swirls of faux tortoiseshell, the satisfying weight in the hand, the gentle spring of the metal clip—these details turn a simple hair fastener into a small work of wearable history.

What Makes the Anais Barrette Distinctive?

The Store P171 Anais is a classic rectangular barrette, typically measuring about 7–8 centimetres in length, with gently rounded ends. Its defining feature is the tortoiseshell pattern, achieved not from actual tortoiseshell (which was banned decades ago) but from cellulose acetate or, in later examples, high-quality resin. The pattern is never exactly the same twice: each barrette has its own unique dance of translucent browns, ambers, and occasional flecks of gold. The clip mechanism is a sturdy metal spring hinge, often marked with a small hallmark or the word “England” on the reverse—a telltale sign of genuine vintage manufacture.

The name “Anais” may evoke the French writer Anaïs Nin, whose bohemian spirit resonated with mid-century artistic circles, or it may simply be a romantic label chosen by the manufacturer. Either way, it gives the barrette a literary aura, making it a favourite among collectors who appreciate a backstory. The P171 code likely refers to a production batch or a catalogue number from a specific wholesaler—perhaps one of the small British firms that supplied department stores like Selfridges or Liberty in the 1950s and 1960s.

Materials and Craftsmanship: The Art of Faux Tortoiseshell

Faux tortoiseshell became a hallmark of British accessory design after the 1940s, when real tortoiseshell was increasingly restricted. Skilled artisans learned to mimic the natural material using layered sheets of cellulose acetate, heated and pressed to create the characteristic mottled effect. The Anais barrette shows this technique at its best: the depth of colour is achieved by stacking thin translucent layers, each slightly different in tone, then polishing the final piece to a glassy smoothness. The edges are gently bevelled, catching the light without sharpness—a detail that speaks to the care taken in finishing.

If you examine a genuine vintage Anais barrette, you may notice tiny air bubbles or slight variations in the pattern. These are not flaws; they are fingerprints of the handcrafting process. Later mass-produced versions, often made in Asia, tend to have a uniform, printed-on pattern that lacks the depth of the originals. For collectors, the subtle irregularities are part of the charm—they confirm the piece’s authenticity and its connection to a time when things were made to last.

How to Wear the Anais Barrette Today

The beauty of a tortoiseshell barrette lies in its neutrality. Unlike brightly coloured plastic clips that scream a particular decade, the warm brown tones of the Anais blend seamlessly with almost any hair colour—from silver-grey to deep brunette, from blonde to copper. It works equally well with a sleek low ponytail, a half-up twist, or as a side-swept accent to a messy bun. The size is substantial enough to hold thick hair securely, yet not so large that it overwhelms a more delicate updo.

For a contemporary look, try pairing the Anais barrette with a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, and a vintage-inspired silk scarf knotted at the neck. The tortoiseshell echoes the warmth of leather accessories—a belt, a handbag, or even a pair of sunglasses. It also complements the resurgence of “quiet luxury” in fashion, where understated accessories speak louder than logos. If you’re feeling adventurous, stack two or three smaller tortoiseshell barrettes along a French braid for a layered effect that nods to the 1960s without feeling costumey.

Care and Conservation: Keeping Your Anais Barrette Beautiful

Vintage cellulose acetate is sensitive to heat and prolonged sunlight. Never leave your Anais barrette on a radiator, in a car dashboard, or near a hairdryer. The material can warp or develop a white bloom (called “vinegar syndrome”) if exposed to high temperatures or humidity. Store it in a cool, dry place—ideally in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box, away from other metal accessories that might scratch the surface.

Cleaning is simple: a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water is enough to remove dust and hairspray residue. If the barrette becomes sticky (a sign of cellulose degradation), a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth and a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol can help—but test on an inconspicuous spot first. Never use acetone or nail polish remover, as these will dissolve the acetate. For the metal clip, a drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge every few years keeps the spring action smooth.

Where to Find the Anais Barrette and How to Spot It

Because the Anais was produced in limited quantities, it appears only sporadically in vintage markets, estate sales, and online auctions. Look for listings that mention “tortoiseshell barrette” or “vintage hair clip” and examine the photos closely. Authentic pieces often have a slight translucency when held up to light, and the pattern will show organic curves rather than straight lines. The metal clip should be marked with “England” or a small number—if it says “Made in China,” it is a modern reproduction.

Prices vary depending on condition and rarity. A well-preserved Anais with no cracks, a strong spring, and clear markings can fetch between £15 and £40 in specialist vintage shops. Bargains sometimes appear in mixed lots at car boot sales, where the barrette might be tucked among other hair accessories. Patience and a keen eye are your best tools—and when you do find one, you will understand why it has earned a place in the quiet pantheon of British vintage classics.

The Anais barrette is more than a hair fastener—it’s a small piece of design history you can actually wear. Next time you’re at a car boot sale, keep an eye out for that “England” stamp on the clip. And if you’re curious about other forgotten classics, have a look at The Vintage Strawberry Hair Claw: A Sweet Slice of British Fashion History, another mid-century piece that captures the same attention to detail.