Welcome back to another A-Z of Vintage post! At this rate I may get to the end of the alphabet in about a decade or so! Today I’m highlighting my favourite vintage handbag brand Enid Collins. Over the years lots of Enid Collins bags have come and gone from my collection and now I just own a few favourites as I don’t have the room for a massive amount of bags.
These are a few of the bags in my collection, I took this a few years ago and have sold some of them since and acquired a few new ones.
I’ve been collecting vintage Enid Collins handbags for years, and each one feels like discovering a little piece of history. There’s something magical about the intricate designs, the playful embellishments, and the craftsmanship that makes these bags stand out. Whether I find them at vintage fairs, online auctions, or tucked away in a vintage shop, each bag tells a story of a bygone era and the artistic genius of Enid Collins herself.
Two of my favourite Collins bags that will never leave my collection, the flower bag was my first one and the Calico Chicks box bag is one of my favourite and most prized possessions.
Enid Collins handbags aren’t just accessories—they’re little works of art that bring mid-century charm to any outfit. From a small workshop in Texas to becoming must-have vintage collectibles, these fun and fancy handbags have a history full of creativity, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
How It All Started
Enid Collins was an artist and designer who, along with her husband Fred, launched Collins of Texas in the 1950s. Working out of Medina, Texas, they created stylish and whimsical handbags that were both practical and pretty. Enid’s artistic background shined through in every design, featuring playful themes, bright colors, and intricate embellishments.
What Makes Them Special
Enid Collins handbags stood out because of their unique look. Made from wood or canvas, these bags were hand-painted and decorated with rhinestones, sequins, and other sparkling details. Popular designs included themes like nature, astrology, and animals, often with cute or inspirational messages.
The Big Boom
By the 1960s, Enid Collins handbags were all the rage. Women across the U.S. loved their bold, playful style. As demand grew, Collins of Texas partnered with the Tandy Corporation in 1970 to expand production. Not long after, Enid and Fred sold their part of the company and moved on to other ventures.
Why They’re Still Loved Today
Even now, vintage Enid Collins bags are super collectible. Fans and fashion lovers treasure them for their quirky charm, solid craftsmanship, and unique mid-century vibe. Whether displayed as art or worn as a statement piece, these handbags still turn heads.
Enid Collins’ designs have stood the test of time, proving that great creativity never goes out of style. If you’ve got an original Enid Collins bag, you’re holding onto a piece of fashion history!
Styling Vintage Enid Collins Bags
I don’t have this Coffee Grinder bag anymore, but it was probably the most pristine one in my collection. It was virtually brand new! I styled it here with a Cath Kidston Skirt and some Miss L Fire shoes.
Enid Collins Flower Bags
The most common Enid Collins bags are the floral ones. These are quite easy to find and will vary in price based on condition.
Here I’m wearing a Flower Bokay Enid Collins bag with an original 50s dress and blue bangle stack.
This was my first ever bag from EC and still one of my very favourites. I love the colours, which work really well all year, but especially with Autumnal outfits.
I styled this bag in really fun way for summer with cute sunglasses and a bangle stack.
I have had many different floral Enid Collins bags over the years, here are a few more styled with some of the vintage dresses from my collection.
Enid Collins Wooden Box Bags
Wooden Enid Collins box bags are often the most desired by collectors. My favourite is my Easter chicks box bag. Isn’t it adorable!
Inside the box bag you can see the Enid Collins logo and a mirror.
Enid Collins Autumn Leaves Bag
One of the highlights from my collection is my Autumn Leaves bag. I love all the colours and imagery of Autumn, even if in reality I don’t like the dampness and cold! So anything Autumn themed has an instant place in my heart.
I hope you’ve enjoyed having a little look into my vintage Enid Collins collection and taking a look at some of the outfits from my archives!
Visit my shop for lots fabulous vintage clothes and vintage accessories – The Vintage Frills Shop.
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