IF you were a style savvy woman in the 1950s or the 1960s, it’s pretty certain that you will have owned an item of Bakelite.

Whether a cute handbag or piece of statement jewellery, this was a huge fashion trend of the time.

But even if you were showing off some plastic in your wardrobe, it’s highly unlikely that you could have known just how collectable your pieces would become 50 or 60 years later.

But the modern thirst for Bakelite is huge, and it’s showing no signs of stopping any time soon.

Bakelite was one of the first ever plastics made from synthetic components and was used for all manner of products from radios, telephones and kitchenware to fashion and, of course, jewellery.

In 1943 it was even tested to be used in the USA for the one cent coin, but zinc-coated steel pipped it to the post in the end!.

After the Second World War factories were able to produce Bakelite more efficiently and in greater volume, which enabled the uses to move into so many different genres and this led to so many quirky and innovative designs that are amazing to see today.

The Bakelite Corporation used the mathematical symbol for infinity as their logo, along with the slogan ‘The material of a thousand uses’. One of my favourite Bakelite pieces that I’ve ever had at My Vintage is this fabulous 1950s Bakelite beaded handbag.

I was drawn to this piece as soon as I saw it, and I think that’s what gets people into collecting this infamous material.

It’s got such a retro appeal and is brilliantly nostalgic.

There is even a Bakelite Museum nestled in Somerset which showcases hundreds of original Bakelite items – they even have a Bakelite coffin.

So if you do have any bakelite fashion loitering in the attic be sure to dig it out and use it.

Plastic has never been so chic!