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The History of Vanity Cases

Updated: Nov 13, 2023

A vanity case can be described as a bag or container used for travel that often contains cosmetics and toiletries. These cases were originally designed for men and were referred to as either dressing or travel cases, coming into fashion during the end of the 18th century.


This item was considered a luxury, as they were both practical and decorative. The cases included a variety of compartments that held tools necessary for freshening up. Examples of items include: shaving cream, combs, and even cologne.


As the Victorian era began, men began to favour more masculine clothing and accessories. Although the cases became out of fashion for men, they began to gain popularity among women. With the rebranding of these cases to inherit a more feminine design also came an alteration to what this item was to be called: vanity cases.


In the 1920s, during the S.S. Sicamous’s prime, vanity cases underwent advancements in design that allowed for the bulky containers to become more compact and convenient. This was ideal for travel, especially for those taking a short trip across Okanagan Lake. This particular example has space for a few clothing accessories, a folding wrap to hold nylons inside, hair brush, clothing brush, and mirror.


Old-fashioned vintage vanity case or dressing case or makeup toiletries bag museum artifact on the S.S. Sicamous Penticton
Vanity case for display on board the S.S. Sicamous.

d vintage vanity case or dressing case or makeup toiletries bag museum artifact on the S.S. Sicamous Penticton
Another vanity case for display on board the S.S. Sicamous

This particular one has a lower tray for jewellery and a fold down section in the top to be used as a writing desk.

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