The Bettie Lurex Triangle Clip Barrette: A Mid-Century Design Classic
The Bettie Lurex Triangle Clip Barrette from Store P320 uses Lurex as its primary structural material. The triangular face is entirely covered in tightly woven Lurex fabric, giving it a unified, almost liquid appearance. Unlike modern metallic threads, this Lurex is a carefully engineered yarn—a core of nylon or polyester wrapped in aluminium foil and sealed. It catches the light without overwhelming the eye. For collectors of vintage hair accessories in Britain, this piece represents a particular convergence of mid-century industrial design and post-war textile innovation.
The triangular shape sets this barrette apart from the common rectangular or oval clips of the period. It draws on the sharp, graphic lines of 1950s and early 1960s design—angular tailfins on cars, geometric patterns in textile prints. But the Lurex softens the geometry: the light hits the surface unevenly, creating a play of highlights and shadows that makes the triangle feel less rigid and more organic. The clip mechanism is a spring-loaded alligator clip, nickel-plated and stamped with the Maison Archives hallmark inside. These clips were made by a specialist firm in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, designed to grip firmly without snagging hair—a detail anyone who has dealt with slipping barrettes will appreciate.
The most common colourway in Store P320 is a warm champagne gold, but early production runs also included a silver-grey and a soft rose-pink that collectors now prize. The Lurex thread's flexibility allowed it to be woven tightly around the barrette frame, creating a smooth, seamless surface. The fabric is glued to the frame with a period-appropriate adhesive that darkens with age but never becomes tacky.
For the collector, authentication of a Store P320 Bettie barrette begins with the clip. The original nickel-plated mechanism should have a smooth, even finish with no visible pitting or flaking. The hallmark is stamped in a specific serif typeface, and the letters are crisp and evenly spaced. Reproduction pieces often use a cheaper brass clip with a rough surface and a hallmark that looks stamped on rather than engraved. The Lurex fabric itself should be tightly woven with no loose threads at the edges; the fabric is glued to the barrette frame using a period-appropriate adhesive that darkens slightly with age but should never feel tacky or show signs of delamination. If you are examining a piece in person, hold it up to the light: the original Lurex allows a faint, diffused glow through the weave, whereas modern synthetic imitations tend to be opaque or unnaturally shiny.
Styling the Bettie barrette in a contemporary context is surprisingly straightforward. Its mid-century silhouette pairs naturally with a sleek low ponytail or a deep side part, where the triangle can sit at the temple like a geometric beauty mark. For a more casual look, clip it onto a half-up style, letting the Lurex catch the light against a dark hair colour. The barrette also works well as an accent on a structured updo—think of a chignon or a French twist, where the triangle’s clean lines provide a focal point without competing with the hairstyle. Because the Lurex is metallic but not brash, it complements both warm and cool colour palettes; it is equally at home with a cream silk blouse and tailored trousers or with a simple cashmere sweater and denim.
Care for the Lurex requires a gentle hand. Avoid exposing the barrette to water, hairspray, or heavy styling products, as the adhesive that bonds the fabric to the frame can weaken over time. If the Lurex becomes dusty, use a soft, dry paintbrush or a microfiber cloth to brush the surface gently in one direction. Never rub the fabric, as friction can cause the metallic coating to flake. Store the barrette in a lined jewellery box or a fabric pouch, away from other metal pieces that might scratch the Lurex. For more detailed guidance on preserving similar accessories, the article on How to Store C43 Hair Bows: A Collector's Guide offers principles that apply equally to metallic and fabric hairpieces.
The Bettie barrette's spring-loaded alligator clip, nickel-plated and stamped with the Maison Archives hallmark, is the same mechanism used in other mid-century accessories from Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Store P320 currently has a small batch of original pieces in the champagne gold colourway, each inspected for authenticity and accompanied by a reproduction card showing the original 1950s packaging. It's a barrette that works as well in a modern updo as it did sixty years ago.