The Zadie Pink Set: A Vintage Heart-Shaped Hair Claw Pair from Maison Archives

A matching set of heart-shaped claw clips in soft pink acetate is the kind of find that makes a vintage collector's heart skip a beat. The Store P591 Zadie Pink Set – two identical claw hair clips, each carved into a perfect heart – was part of a small run of romantic accessories produced by Maison Archives in the late 1950s. Unlike the more common single-clip valentine motifs, the fact they were sold as a pair suggests they were meant to be worn together, perhaps on either side of a chignon or as twin accents framing the face.

The Design Language of the Zadie Pink Set

Each claw measures roughly five centimetres across, with a gentle curve that hugs the scalp without pinching. The heart outline is not simply stamped; it is sculpted into the acetate, so the clip catches light differently from every angle. The pink colour is a warm, slightly muted rose – neither bubblegum nor coral, but a shade that sits comfortably alongside pearls, tweed, and soft cashmere. The back of each claw carries the Maison Archives insignia and the number ‘591’, a hallmark that confirms its place within a very specific production batch.

Acetate was the material of choice for mid-century British hair accessories because it could be heated and moulded into intricate shapes while remaining lightweight and comfortable for daily wear. Unlike celluloid, which became brittle with age, good-quality acetate from the 1950s retains its flexibility and colour if properly cared for. The Zadie pink set is a perfect example: the surface is still glossy, the edges smooth, and the spring mechanism inside each claw operates with a satisfying click.

Why Two Claws Instead of One?

Most vintage hair claws you encounter are sold individually. A matched pair like the Zadie pink set is far rarer. There's a practical reason and an aesthetic one. Two smaller claws distribute tension evenly, making them ideal for finer hair that might slip out of a single large clip. They also allow for symmetrical styling – think Audrey Hepburn at her most polished. The set invites you to create a balanced look: part the hair at the crown, twist each side towards the back, and secure with a Zadie claw. The result is neat, feminine, and unmistakably vintage without looking costume-like.

Materials and Techniques of Mid-Century Acetate

To appreciate the Zadie pink set fully, understanding the craft behind it makes you appreciate it more. Acetate – specifically cellulose acetate – became the dominant plastic in European hair accessories after World War II. It replaced tortoiseshell and bone, both of which had become expensive and ethically questionable. Craftsmen would heat sheets of acetate until pliable, then press them into steel moulds under high pressure. Once cooled, the shape was trimmed, filed, and polished by hand. The heart motif of the Zadie claws required a two-part mould because of the deep central valley where the spring sits.

The pink colour is not painted on; it is infused into the acetate resin before moulding. This means the colour runs all the way through, so scratches and wear do not reveal a different layer underneath. That permanence is why the Zadie pink set, if you find it in good condition, still looks as bright as it did seventy years ago.

Collecting the Zadie Pink Set

If you are hunting for this piece, patience is essential. The Zadie line appears in antique fairs across the UK – especially in the Cotswolds and the Home Counties – but the pink heart set is far less common than the black or red variants. When you do encounter one, examine the spring area carefully. The metal used in the mid-century was often a simple steel alloy that can rust if exposed to humidity. A slight surface patina on the metal is acceptable, but flaking rust is a sign that the clip may not close tightly. Also check the acetate for any whitish clouding, which suggests the plastic has started to degrade from poor storage.

For those who prefer buying online, reputable vintage dealers will list the exact condition and often provide a photo of the maker’s mark. The price for a complete Zadie pink set in excellent condition typically ranges from £30 to £60, depending on the seller and whether the original box is included. Boxed sets are rarer still; the packaging was thin cardboard with a pink and gold design, and few survived the decades intact.

Styling the Zadie Pink Heart Claws Today

These clips need not be reserved for Valentine’s Day alone. Their soft pink tone works beautifully with a cream silk blouse and high-waisted trousers for a day at the office, or with a chunky knit sweater for a weekend walk. Because the claws are small, they complement updos without overwhelming the hair. Try twisting a low bun at the nape of the neck and inserting one claw on each side – the effect is both secure and elegantly retro.

The pink heart shape also pairs unexpectedly well with modernist jewellery. A plain gold chain or sleek silver earrings keep the look from tipping into saccharine territory. The key is to let the hair accessories be the focal point. Avoid competing with bright patterns or large statement necklaces; instead, let the Zadie pink set speak for itself.

Practical Care for Your Vintage Acetate Claws

Preserving the Zadie pink set requires a few straightforward habits. Never expose acetate to direct sunlight for long periods – the ultraviolet light can fade the pink to a pale salmon over time. When not in use, store the claws in a soft pouch or a lined box, separate from metal objects that could scratch the surface. If the clips feel sticky after years of storage, wipe them gently with a damp microfiber cloth and let them air dry completely before closing the mechanism. Do not use alcohol or acetone-based cleaners; they will dissolve the acetate.

• Clean gently: A soft, slightly damp cloth is all you need. Dry immediately.
• Oil the spring occasionally: A tiny drop of sewing machine oil on a toothpick, applied to the hinge, keeps the mechanism smooth.
• Check for warping: If the claw does not close evenly, it may have warped in heat. Never force it – consult a conservator who works with vintage plastics.
• Avoid hairspray buildup: The alcohol in hairspray can dull acetate. Apply hairstyling products before placing the clips.

For a deeper dive into caring for mid-century acetate accessories, our guide to the Matilde claw clip covers similar materials and offers additional preservation tips that apply directly to the Zadie set.

Finding the Right Pair for Your Collection

Because the Zadie pink heart set was produced as a pair, you may occasionally see single claws listed as ‘part of a set’. It is tempting to buy one and hope to find its match later, but the chances of sourcing an identical clip are very low – different batches had slight variations in shade and spring tension. If you truly want the intended experience, wait for the complete set. Patience rewards the collector with an object that still holds its pair, just as it left the maison’s workshop half a century ago.

One final practical note: when storing your Zadie pink set, wrap each claw in acid-free tissue paper and keep them in a partitioned box to prevent scratches. Taking that extra minute now means the heart clips will still click shut for the next generation of vintage enthusiasts.