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Hand-me-downs Thursday, January 17, 2008 4:09 PM

Several weeks ago, during one of my weekly lunch dates with my grandpa, he told me he'd just thrown away one of my grandmother's purses similar to the vintage one I was carrying that day.

My heart broke a little upon hearing that and even moreso after he told me he donated eight or nine bags of clothing to Salvation Army (a lucky thrifter is now in possession of some Bally shoes). Until then I hadn't realized my grandpa had begun the task of sorting through her belongings after her passing last spring. I said to him that he should've asked me to be the filter between him and the Salvation Army -- not simply for the material goods, but I wanted bits and pieces of my grandmother.

The following week when I went to his house, he had a present for me.

A Dior clutch my grandpa managed to salvage. After scouring through various hand bag forums, I've managed to conclude it's from the late '70s to early '80s.

Below are two bags my grandmother passed down to me several years ago.

A beat-up Gucci bag that survived a pick pocket knife slashing attempt on the bus when she lived in Hong Kong.

Made in Italy by Lamberti. I can't find any information on the maker. It seems well made though.

I haven't been able to make use of these since I'm a labels on the inside or in a discreet spot kind of person and all three are bags are wallpapered in logos. I carried one once and I felt like a fraud. They live in my closet and I pull them out once in a while because they're pretty to look at.

tags: bags dior grandma gucci lamberti vintage

Comments (3)

fruchtzwerg | 2008-01-17 05:12 PM | Reply

Very beautiful bags from your grandma. I'm sorry to hear that she passed away but I believe that you will have a different look at these bags and won't consider them only as "fashion item".

yulanda | 2008-01-17 06:20 PM | Reply

That's why I can't bare to part with them even though they sit in my closet.

eimy | 2008-01-26 01:09 AM | Reply

i like the black one the most. i understand what you mean about logos!