The Margeaux Midnight Hair Claw: A British Accessory Worth Collecting
Pick up the Store P601 Margeaux Hair Claw in Midnight and the first thing you notice is the colour — not quite black, not navy, but that deep, starless blue the French call minuit. Tilt it under a lamp and the acetate shows a faint amber undertow, a deliberate nod to the hand-polished clips of the 1990s. But this isn't a reproduction. The Margeaux reimagines the classic spring-action claw with a longer, slightly curved jaw that holds thick hair without pinching, and smooth beveled edges that reduce snagging. It’s a small but practical update for everyday wear.
The Anatomy of the Margeaux Claw
Every element of the P601 speaks to its dual heritage. The name "Margeaux" evokes the Bordeaux wine region, suggesting the piece's sophisticated palette. The claw itself is made from premium cellulose acetate, a material popular among vintage accessory makers for its warmth, lightness, and ability to take on deep, lustrous colors. Midnight is achieved through a slow dye process that saturates the acetate evenly, avoiding the patchiness seen in cheaper clips.
The spring mechanism is housed in a metal core, plated to resist tarnishing, and the hinges are designed to open wide enough to accommodate a full twist of hair. Unlike the mass-produced plastic claws of the 2000s, the Margeaux has a deliberate weight — substantial but not heavy — that keeps it securely in place even on slippery, blow-dried hair.
The Claw Clip in British Fashion: A Brief Backstory
The claw clip’s history in British style puts the Margeaux in context. In the 1980s, oversized combs and barrettes ruled the era of big hair, but by the mid-1990s, the claw clip emerged as the practical yet chic solution for the minimalist wave. British labels like Whistles and French Connection featured simple acetate claws in glossy black and tortoiseshell, worn low at the nape or in a messy twist. The claw became synonymous with effortless London cool — a way to look polished without trying too hard.
The Margeaux pays homage to that era but refines the silhouette. Where 1990s claws often had straight, blocky teeth, the P601 features gently tapered prongs that follow the natural curve of the scalp. This small change makes a significant difference in comfort and grip, especially for those with fine hair or sensitive scalps.
For a closer look at how another British accessory from the same design lineage is cared for, see our guide on The Brie Barrette: A Collector’s Guide to Maison Archives Store P292 — the attention to material preservation is similar.
Midnight: The Colour That Works Everywhere
Why midnight? Neutral enough for daily wear, deep enough for evening. Unlike black, which can appear flat under warm lighting, midnight blue shifts and lives. In daylight it reads as a soft charcoal; at candlelit dinners it takes on a dusky violet sheen. This versatility makes the Margeaux a sensible investment for anyone who wants one accessory to carry them from office to dinner party.
Pair it with a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers for a modern take on 1990s workwear. Or use it to anchor a relaxed weekend look: a chunky knit sweater, raw denim, and the claw holding back a side-swept twist. The dark colour also contrasts beautifully with blonde, red, or silver hair, while blending seamlessly with brunette tones.
How to Style the Margeaux Claw
- The Low Twisted Bun: Gather hair at the nape, twist until it begins to coil, then fold the twist upward and secure with the claw. This style works best on hair that is second-day or slightly textured.
- The Half-Up Crown: Take the top section from ear to ear, twist loosely, and clip at the back of the head. Let a few face-framing pieces fall free for a soft, romantic feel.
- The Full Volume Updo: For longer, thick hair, use the Margeaux as a finishing clip over a knotted bun. Its wide jaw can hold the entire bun in place without additional pins.
- The Side Sweep: Brush hair to one side, twist loosely from the nape upward, and secure at the side. Ideal for showing off the claw’s profile.
Care and Preservation of Acetate
Cellulose acetate is a natural, biodegradable plastic made from wood pulp and cotton. It is stable when cared for properly but can become brittle or discoloured if exposed to extreme heat, direct sunlight for long periods, or harsh chemicals. The midnight colour is particularly resilient, but a few precautions will keep your Margeaux looking new for decades.
- Never soak the clip in water. Acetate can absorb moisture and warp. If the clip gets wet, dry it gently with a soft cloth and let it air dry away from radiators.
- Avoid hairspray or perfume contact. The alcohol in styling products can dull the surface over time. Apply products before inserting the clip, or wait until they dry.
- Store in a cool, dark place. A lined jewellery box or a fabric pouch works perfectly. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue paper — never in plastic bags, which can trap humidity.
If you also collect clip-on earrings or other acetate accessories, the same principles apply. Our guide on How to Store Vintage Tortoiseshell Hoop Earrings: A Practical Guide for P308 Hoops offers detailed advice on protecting acetate pieces from warping and discolouration.
Finding Authentic Margeaux Claws
The Store P601 is a limited-run piece produced by Maison Archives, a British atelier known for reviving heritage accessory patterns. Each claw is individually inspected for polish and hinge tension. Because of the hand-finishing, slight variations in the depth of the midnight colour are normal and actually add to the piece’s character.
When buying secondhand, look for the hallmark "MA" engraved discreetly on the inside of one arm. Check that the teeth align evenly when closed and that the spring action is smooth but firm. A well-maintained Margeaux should open easily and snap shut without wobbling. Avoid clips with deep scratches or cloudy patches — these indicate exposure to heat or chemicals and cannot be polished out without damaging the acetate.
Store your Margeaux claw in a lined box away from direct sunlight, preferably wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent acetate yellowing. Unlike many modern clips, the Margeaux’s acetate will develop a subtle patina over time — a sign of quality, not wear. That depth of colour is what makes the midnight shade so rewarding to own.