Store P374 Selena Round Basket Bag: A Vintage British Hair Accessory

The Store P374 Selena Round Basket Bag is one of the most distinctive hair accessories to emerge from the British boutique scene of the mid-1970s. Unlike the metal barrettes or plastic combs that dominated high-street shops, this piece imitates a miniature woven handbag—a round basket shape with a subtle handle-like loop—designed to be clipped into the hair. Collectors often mistake it for a novelty brooch or a doll accessory, but the spring-loaded metal clip on the reverse confirms its true purpose: a playful, statement hair adornment for the fashion-forward woman.

Origins of the Selena Round Basket Bag

Selena was a small British accessories label active between the late 1960s and early 1980s, known for whimsical, handmade-inspired pieces. The Round Basket Bag (catalogue number P374) was produced around 1975, at the peak of the folk revival and the growing interest in craft aesthetics. While major brands focused on metallic or enamel hair clips, Selena experimented with natural-looking materials: fine rattan, cotton thread, and lightweight resin. The basket weave is not actual wicker—it is a carefully moulded resin or early plastic that mimics hand-woven straw, making it durable but surprisingly light.

Materials and Construction

Each Selena Round Basket Bag measures approximately 4 cm in diameter, with a depth of about 1.5 cm. The clip mechanism is a classic alligator clip, often plated in gold-tone brass, stamped with "Selena" and the model number on the inside. The "basket" itself consists of a circular frame with crisscrossing synthetic fibres or resin strands that create a openwork pattern. Some versions include a tiny faux-leather bow or a small metal charm attached to the side, though the standard model remains unadorned. The reverse is lined with a thin felt pad to protect the hair from the metal clip.

Identifying an Authentic Store P374

• Markings: Look for "Selena" and "P374" engraved on the clip. Fakes often omit the number or use a poor-quality screw instead of a rivet.
• Weight: Authentic pieces feel solid but not heavy—the resin basket is slightly flexible, not brittle.
• Colour: The standard colour is a warm beige or light brown, though rare editions in pale yellow or mint green exist.
• Basket weave: Genuine Selena bags have a consistent, tight weave pattern; reproductions may have visible mould lines.

Cultural Context and Styling in the 1970s

The Round Basket Bag arrived just as British women were embracing voluminous hairstyles—layered cuts, soft curls, and the occasional fringe. Unlike a discreet bobby pin, the Selena clip was meant to be seen. It could be worn at the nape of the neck to gather a low ponytail, or pinned high on a side part as a cheerful accent. The basket motif echoed the era’s love for all things rustic: from Laura Ashley dresses to willow picnic hampers. For collectors familiar with the flower-shaped clip in our guide to the Decoding the Store p120 Shicato Shorty Flower Bag, the Selena Round Basket Bag offers a similar playful silhouette but with a woven structure that feels even more connected to the craft movement of the time.

How to Wear a Basket Hair Clip Today

The charm of the Selena P374 lies in its ability to bridge decades without looking costumed. Here are three ways to integrate it into a modern wardrobe:

• With a linen blazer and jeans: The natural texture of the basket clip complements the relaxed formality of linen. Clip it low at the back of a simple ponytail.
• As a statement on a messy bun: The round shape works beautifully as a centrepiece on a topknot. Use a few bobby pins to secure the bun, then clip the Selena bag onto the side.
• Paired with a silk scarf: Tie a slim scarf around a low ponytail and clip the basket bag over the knot for a layered vintage look.

Care and Preservation

Because the Selena Round Basket Bag combines metal and resin, proper storage is crucial to avoid tarnish or cracking. Keep the clip in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, which can yellow the resin over time. If the metal clip loses its spring, a watchmaker can gently tighten it. Clean the basket weave with a soft, dry brush—never soak the piece in water. With care, this little bag can remain a functional, joyful accessory for decades.

Where to Find One

These clips appear regularly at vintage fairs in London, Brighton, and Edinburgh, as well as on online platforms. Prices typically range from £15 to £35 depending on condition and colour rarity. When you find a Selena Round Basket Bag with its original metal tag intact, you know you own a piece of British hair accessory history that still brings a touch of 1970s sunshine to any outfit.