Di Camerino, Roberta

Roberta Di Camerino (1920-2002) bags have been carried by celebrities such as Grace Kelly and Coco Chanel, have been cult favorites, and have been a symbol of status, elegance, and refined taste since 1945. The lady behind the bag was born Giuliana Coen Camerino in Venice, Italy and fled to Switzerland during World War II. As a poor refugee, she was forced to sell her own handbag then decided to make a replacement with some leather, string and a curved needle. The person to whom she had sold her original bag reported Giuliana to the authorities, alleging that she was importing Italian bags into Switzerland. Although the charges were cleared quickly, the story was reported in the media and soon Giuliana began receiving requests for her handmade purses. A fashion icon was about to be born.

On returning to Venice, Giuliana opened a factory and decided to create a name that would have the appropriate high fashion cachet worthy of her goods. The name Roberta was borrowed from one of her favorite songs, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, and paired with her last name. The company still produces accessories and clothing and it is still based in Venice, headquartered in a 16th century mansion.

Written by cosmiccowgirl

from a late 1940s purse

Courtesy of thespectrum

from a 1970s silk jersey dress

Courtesy of kickshawproductions.com

from a 1977 dress

Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1977 dress

Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1977 scarf

Courtesy of bigchief173