Charles Jourdan, spring 2000                                                                                                        
10” l. x 3 ¾” w. (base) x 7 ½” h. + 6” drop
Spring 2000 was a stellar season for handbags, and this very clever, unusually handled tote took me to the moon! I found it at the tres chic Charles Jourdan boutique on the Champs Elysses in Paris (Yes, the same shopping trip as the fabulous Jean Paul Gaultier pieces which I showed you 06.08.2009—06.11.2009). Part of the fun of carrying this bag is the memory of a wonderful experience in France!

This tote was made in Spain—I don’t think many (or even any) Charles Jourdan bags were still being made in France at this point. It’s a beautifully crafted piece, but the finish on the leather is too fragile for everyday use.

Popularity: 55% [?]

Technorati Tags: charles jourdan, Designer Handbags, tote, vinyl

Charles Jourdan, spring 1985
“Liscorne”, noir/blanc (black/white)
10 ¼” w. 6 ½” h. + 46” detachable shoulder strap

This bag could be black or white! Love the contemporary geometric shape and the
graphic use of color!

Color blocking is not usually my taste—I generally prefer a much more monolithic look, but this was such a fresh approach—I just had to have the matching shoes and bag.  This combo was too much fun to pass up!

You can see that the bag has a detachable shoulder strap; I never used it.  The bag is much more chic carried as a clutch or tucked under the arm.

This bag and the shoes came from the fabulous Charles Jourdan boutique in the Trump Tower.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Technorati Tags: charles jourdan, clutch, Designer Handbags, leather, vintage

Charles Jourdan, spring 1985
“Lucile”, noir/blanc (black/white)

Not your mother’s spectators, these black and white kidskin pumps gave me a thrill! They went with ease from power presentations to dinner and dancing in the mid-eighties.

Charles Jourdan (1883-1976) was born in the same year as Coco Chanel. By the time my shoes were created, the company was under the leadership of two of the founder’s three sons, Rene and Charles; Roland having retired in 1981. Some thought the shoes became more conservative in the eighties; I thought they became more architectural—that was the appeal for me. And the handbags! The most amazing shapes! Oh yes, I collected them passionately!

I can’t mention the French-made Charles Jourdan shoes without emphasizing the fabulous fit and feel. They were the Christian Louboutins of their day (sans red soles), but just as easily recognizable for their high style.

In the future I’ll show you much more vintage Charles Jourdan and fill you in a bit more on the history of the company—something to anticipate!

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: charles jourdan, paris shopping, pumps, shoes, vintage