Celluloid Propels Accessories into the Future
In the late 19th century, celluloid, an inexpensive precursor to modern plastics, made its way into fashion. It was cheap and replicated the look of ivory, coral, tortoiseshell, and linen fabric. Celluloid was sculpted into just about any form, from hair combs, inexpensive jewelry, and the stiffened men’s collars popular as fashion moved into the early 20th century. The material was waterproof and rinseable, so the hours of starching fabric collars into place were over. Hair ornaments and jewelry could be rinsed and easily replaced when broken. People who couldn’t afford an ivory hair comb could afford a celluloid one to ornament their hair. Celluloid had so many uses, not just in fashion but for everyday products like toothbrushes, toys, dice, and motion picture film. It was a wonder material. The only limitation to its use was the imagination. Oh, and the fact that it was highly flammable.