User:Alaurendine

Rockabilly Vintage Cordé Purses

In Laurel, MS, Wally and Fedwa Rahaim began a sewing factory, making silk cordė handbags/purses. They learned to make them in Brooklyn, NY from Fedwa's parents, Mary and Joseph Safee. Fedwa and her parents designed most of the purses, while Wally went throughout the South to sell them.

The purses sold well in the 1940's and 1950's both in New York and all over the South. Ladies were hired to sew the purses on specially made sewing machines, using silk cordé to make interesting and intricate patterns. Most of the purses sold in the South had labels sewn inside each purse that said, "Genuine Cordé" or "Cordé by Fedwa." While the ones made in New York did not have a label sewn inside the purses, many had a zipper pull made of lucite. Those in the South rarely used the lucite zipper pull. Ladies who purchased the purses had discriminate taste and were from all walks of life, from the moderate buyer to the wealthy. The purses were made in black, brown, white, gold and silver silk cordé. Some were made in multi-colors, and the silk thread was multi-colored. The purses came in various shapes, some with handles and others without. They were very stylish at the time and were well-made, allowing for many to maintain a well-preserved look today.

The purses are often found in antique/collectible shops, ranging in price from $45-$125. Collectors may find them for less, especially where an antique dealer does not know their history. Women who enjoy wearing vintage clothes and accessories enjoy finding cordé in stores where they shop.