Held at The Omni Hotel, an historical Florentine Renaissance Building built in 1926 was originally a bank and finance build. The hotel was a mix of old world charm with modern amenities, the perfect venue for our Gathering. Before the official agenda began, some pre-activities included a visit to China town, Lang Antiques store (drool-worthy antique jewelry and purses), cable car rides, vintage clothes shopping and an afternoon on Haight Ashbury for that Groovy Kinda Feeling (Tie Dye anyone?).
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Thursday afternoon began with an Opening Reception. Registration packets and gift bags were handed out. While we greeted old friends and made new ones, a cash bar was available and hors d’oeuvres were served. Attendees were able to preview the purses up for the Friday auction, register, receive a Catalogue and grab their lucky number Bid Paddle.
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On Friday, BART took us straight into the San Francisco International Airport for the Essential Style, Vintage and Antique Purses Exhibit. In the International Main Hall terminal, the SFO Museum featured hundreds of purses of all types: beaded, mesh, leather, miser, celluloid and Bakelite, dance purses, figural, children’s purses, pockets, novelty, petit point and embroidered, and more. There was something for everyone. Dating from the 1700’s through the 1950’s, beautifully displayed by type and date, the history of the purse came alive. The cases having glass on three sides made it possible to get up close to view the purses. Most of the purses in the exhibit, which ran from January 22 – July 22, 2016, were on loan from the Antique Purse Collectors Society members. For many of us, it was the highlight of the weekend.
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In the evening, we were treated to a Presentation by Wendy Dager on Mid-Century Modern Purses. We learned about some of the popular company’s manufacturing handbags at the time. Jolles Original, Midas, Plasticflex, Magid, Jay Thorpe, Llewellyn, Enid Collins, and Crafty Kit Purses that allowed you to do-it-yourself at home to name just a few. The post WWII bags were not only functional but very whimsical in design. Little portable works of art that many of us carry today. Wendy not only gave an informative and fun presentation, she dressed the part too!
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We enjoyed a delicious Mexican buffet dinner, followed by a fun and exciting Purse Auction conducted by Auctioneer Carlann Matz. Some rare and beautiful purses went to new homes for a bargain!
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The Purse Bazaar Saturday morning was buzzing with a diverse array of purses and vanity items for sale. Happy collectors filled the room.
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An afternoon field trip to the LACIS Museum educated us on all types of lace and textiles from the pre-Columbian era to the 19th century. Thousands of examples of textiles, costumes, tools and sewing machines were on display. There is a library and retail shop on the premises.
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Saturday night Jennifer Whitehair had us all Walking like an Egyptian. An interesting and comprehensive power point presentation took us on an historical journey of the Egyptomania that swept the globe from the 1700’s onward. Included was a very rare clip of the 1917 Theda Bara movie Cleopatra. Accompanying the presentation, Jennifer brought hundreds of Egyptian Revival pieces from her personal collection including not only purses, but jewelry, clothing, perfume bottles, magazines and more.
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A lovely buffet breakfast on Sunday morning was followed by our always popular Show and Tell.
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We may have left our hearts in San Francisco, but we’re looking forward to the Phoenix sunrise in 2017…
