The Store p175 Red Ivy Hair Barrette: A Vintage Treasure
There is a particular pleasure in finding a barrette whose red enamel has kept its glossy, glass-like surface after decades in a dressing table drawer. The Store p175 ivy hair barrette is one of those quiet treasures: a slim metal clip with an openwork design of ivy leaves in deep crimson, made in Britain in the late 1960s and often mistaken for a brooch because of its sculptural front. Unlike many alligator clips, the p175 uses a curved snap hinge that grips hair at the root rather than pinching the length, which makes it comfortable for fine hair and less likely to slide out. The clip mechanism is hidden on the reverse, so the front reads as a tiny piece of botanical jewellery.
A design born from the botanical mood of the 1960s
Botanical motifs appeared all over British accessories in the mid-1960s, from cotton scarves to ceramic brooches. Ivy was a favourite because its leaves could be drawn in a continuous, elegant line and translated well into stamped metal. The p175 uses a brass base with each leaf slightly raised, so the design catches the light from every angle. The red enamel is not a painted lacquer but a fired enamel, which is why surviving examples still have a smooth, hard shine. On some pieces, the veins of the leaves are picked out in a darker tone, giving the clip an almost hand-painted quality.
There is also a little symbolism attached to ivy. In the Victorian language of flowers, ivy stood for fidelity and friendship, and that meaning carried into mid-century jewellery. A red ivy leaf was a deliberate departure from nature, chosen because red read clearly against dark hair and pale winter coats. It also matched the lipsticks and nail colours of the period, which made the accessory feel current rather than quaint.
Materials and construction
The p175 was made in the same way as many British dress clips of its era: the outline of the leaves was stamped from a sheet of brass, then bent into shape to give the design depth. After stamping, the metal was coated with a thin layer of silver or gold wash, and the recessed areas were filled with enamel paste. The piece was then fired in a kiln, which is why the red has a depth that painted lacquer cannot match.
- Base metal: stamped brass with a silver or gold wash, depending on the batch.
- Enamel: fired red enamel, usually a warm crimson with a translucent depth.
- Clip mechanism: a curved snap hinge designed for fine to medium hair, not thick sections.
- Dimensions: roughly 6 centimetres long and 2.5 centimetres wide, light enough to wear all day.
- Hallmarks: the reverse is stamped with the store code p175, sometimes followed by a small Made in England mark.
Because the enamel was fired at high temperature, it is surprisingly resistant to scratches. What it does not survive is impact: a dropped barrette can chip along the edge of a leaf, and that chip is permanent. This is why examples with intact front enamel are worth seeking out.
How to recognise the p175 red ivy barrette
If you are hunting for this exact model, look closely at the arrangement of the leaves. The p175 has three main lobes radiating from a central stem, with a smaller leaf overlapping the largest one. The red enamel is applied over a textured metal surface, so the colour appears richer in the recessed areas. The clip is not a flat alligator clip but a curved snap with a round hinge. The code p175 is stamped in small numerals on the back of the hinge, and the metal around the stamp is usually slightly darker.
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Leaf layout | Three main lobes and one overlapping smaller leaf |
| Enamel colour | Warm crimson with translucent depth |
| Clip type | Curved snap hinge, not a flat alligator clip |
| Reverse stamp | p175 in small numerals near the hinge |
Some later batches have a slightly brighter cherry red, while earlier pieces are deeper, almost oxblood. The presence of the p175 code is the best clue, but the shape of the clip is equally important. If you see a red leaf barrette with a flat clip and no code, it is likely a different model.
Styling it with a modern wardrobe
Red is a surprisingly easy colour to wear with vintage accessories. It reads as a neutral against denim and camel, and it adds a clear accent to grey and navy. The ivy motif gives the barrette a natural, slightly romantic feel, so it works with modern minimalism, a plain white shirt, or a tailored coat.
For a low-key look, clip the p175 into a low bun or a deep side part. Because the clip is compact, it can also hold a silk scarf in place at the nape of the neck. For a 1960s-inspired silhouette, wear it with a high bouffant or a French twist; the red leaves will catch the light and draw attention to the shape of the head. If you are planning a spring wardrobe, our British guide to spring colour palettes for vintage hair clips can help you decide which tones will make the red ivy leaves stand out without clashing. The p175 is particularly lovely against soft sage green and pale cream.
Buying a vintage p175 without regrets
Because the p175 was sold through a single store label, it is not as common as other mid-century barrettes. When you find one, inspect the enamel carefully. A small chip on the back is acceptable, but check the front: the fired enamel should be intact, with no hairline cracks running through the leaves. The spring should open and close with a firm resistance. If it flops or catches, the hinge may have been bent, and that is harder to repair than a loose screw.
Ask the seller for a photo of the reverse so you can confirm the p175 stamp. Many sellers describe this kind of clip as a brooch, so searching for "red ivy enamel clip" or "vintage leaf barrette" can help. If you enjoy the sculptural quality of the p175, you will probably like the pink snake hair barrette, another vintage British accessory with a sculptural bite. It shares the same attention to detail and is a good companion piece for collectors who like animal and botanical motifs.
Caring for red enamel barrettes
Vintage enamel needs gentle handling. Do not soak the barrette in water or cleaning solution; wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. Avoid acetone, nail polish remover, and silver dip, because they can dull the fired enamel and strip the metal wash. Store the clip separately from other metal accessories, ideally in a small cotton pouch or a lined jewellery box.
If the hinge becomes loose, check whether it has a tiny screw. If it does, tighten it with a jeweller's screwdriver. If there is no screw, leave the repair to a professional; squeezing the hinge with pliers can crack the enamel. Never try to re-enamel a damaged piece yourself. A small loss of colour on the reverse is part of the object's history, and it is better to leave it visible than to attempt a homemade repair that cannot be reversed.
The quiet charm of red in vintage hair accessories
Red was a practical choice for 1960s dress clips — it showed up clearly against dark hair and winter coats. The p175 ivy leaves were often sold with a matching brooch or earrings, but today the barrette works well on its own. I've seen collectors pay more for a chipped example than a perfect one, because the flaw gives it character. One dealer I know keeps a p175 with a missing enamel tip in her own collection, saying it's the one she reaches for most often. The clip still holds a section of hair firmly, and the red leaves catch the light just as they did fifty years ago. If you find one with a chip, don't hesitate — it's still a treasure.