How true!!! When I was in high school (early 70's. these were THE bags to have. I still have one of mine left, can't seem to part with it. They were definitely representative of the preppy set. I wish they would manufacture some more now, perhaps with a more contemporary edge - but still with the tweed and leather!

I had two of the long narrow John in 1967, leather and tweed. One was blue and one was brown. I wish I knew where they are now. I just wondered if they were still made.

I still have a navy and tweed coin purse. I got it when I was 13 yrs old I'm 53 now.I wish they would come out again. I'm sure they would be a sensation all over again with us baby boomers. We can afford them now too!

Wow!! I used to carry these purses when I was in high school in the 80's...and of course I was made fun of, but I also wore pencil skirts and cuffed white tuxedo shirts (women's) ....all the clothes and purses were my mothers..who was a bombshell in her time...I guess I was a minx before my time.... :)

Found A Navy Blue John Romaine Purse In A Thrift Store About 12 Years Ago. In Mint Condition Except Needed A Good Cleaning. I Carry It On Occasion & Get Many Comments From The Baby Boomers.

1970! I was in high school, and got a navy & tweed large handbag, navy and tweed ladies wallet, and Romsin navy shoes for Christmas. It was really the first true "fashion" thing I had ever asked for by name, other than bell bottom jeans with the biggest bell available. My folks were so excited that their hippie daughter asked for a handbag that wasn't suede w/fringe, or maybe tapestry or carpet, that they got the wallet and shoes on top of the handbag. Carried them forever, until I literally worn them to pieces!

So funny! These were the thing to have. I remember saving up all my babysitting money to buy one!!

I got a brown and tweed john romaine in 8th grade for Christmas after a long wait. I had coveted two that a girl in my math class had. She had a navy/tweed and a brown/tweed. Still remember the wonderful leather smell. This had to be around 1967-68.

I have two straw and two brown. I haven't the heart to get rid of them.

JOHN ROMAIN..IF YOU ARE LISTENING...PLEASE BRING THESE PARTICULAR LINE OF PURSES BACK...WE BEG YOU !!! THE LEATHER AND TWEED NAVY AND BROWN AND !! THE PURE LEATHER NAVY AND CORDOVA.WHICH LOOKED LIKE A VERY RICH DEEP BURGANDY OR OXBLOOD LEATHER SHOULDERBAGS WITH PERSONAL INITIALS ATTACHED IF REQUESTED IN SOLID BRASS I BELIEVE..PLEASE !!!!!! WE BEG YOU.

I loved my John Romain bag. Mine was oxblood leather with a fold over flap. I didn't have my initials but my bag had a buckle over the closure on the front flap. It took me a few months to save the money to get it but it was worth every penny. I wish I could find one today!

READING ALL THESE STORIES ABOUT THE JOHN ROMAINS BROUGHT BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES FOR ME.MY SISTER AND I HAD TO SAVE FOR MONTHS TO BUY ONE WHEN WE WERE TEENS.WE FINNALLY SAVED ENOUGH TOGETHER TO BUY ONE AND WE SHARED IT FOREVER.I FOUND ONE JUST LIKE IT A FEW YEARS AGO AT N ESTATE SALE AND IT STARTED ME ON A NEW QUEST, TO BUY EVERYONE I COULD FIND OR THAT I CAN AFFORD! I MUST HAVE ABOUT FOURTY NOW, BUT I CAN'T FIND ANY WALLETS! WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ONE.

My father found a Marcolino by John Romain in an abandoned house. It's in very decent shape with the pin, warranty paper and 3 of the replacement brass tacks (instructions). I have been trying to do research, but with no luck on this style. Any help or ideas please contact me debbiehayes1@triad.rr.com

I finally found the ultimate "it" bag John Romain 3 weeks ago on eBay. Got it after a tense bidding war, probably with another determined Baby Boomer. They were expensive for a reason, and in resale today, still command a good price. Snazzy, distinctive, built to last and worth the cost.

In what state were these the most popular?? I lived in Norfolk, VA in '67, was in middle school and Aigner were the "it" bag there...I envied all the girls that had one! Just don't recall John Romain bags. Just Aigner, John Mayer and Villager clothes...of which I had none!

I lived in Georgia in the mid 60s and when in junior high everyone had to have a John Romaine purse. I saved up babysitting money for months to be able to afford one. When I began high school in 1969, everyone had to have an Aigner purse. Same deal, saved my money to get one, my parents refused to buy them. Then I moved to South Carolina in 1970 to finish out high school. They didn't seem to have the same standards for purses there so mine kind of fell by the wayside. Would definitely buy them again if they were still sold anywhere!

Had a John Romain bag bought in Summerville, GA at a shop my great aunt owned in the mid 60's. Loved it, trying to find another one on ebay like it. It was the "IT" bag to have. Wish they would bring them back because they held up for years of use I wonder why they quit making them?

I had no idea what my beautiful leather and tweed bag was. But today I was in a store shopping handbags when a woman stopped me and asked if that was a John Romain. I was confused. "You mean the Donna Karan I just put back?" "No! The one on your arm!" I looked inside and sure enough! My $5 vintage store find is indeed a John Romain. With a dreamy look in her eyes, she told me how she remembered spending more than she has ever spent on a handbag on one in college. That prompted me to find out more, and I am delighted. I love this bag, but I had no idea how beloved it was by others.

I purchased one of these bags not knowing what I had because I am an 80's baby, so I had never heard of John Romain. I purchased the bag becacuse I istantly fell in love with it. I walk into my Chiripractors office and he immediately says "Is that a John Romain?" Of course he said that he was just discussing this with some of his staff that John Romain was the coach in his day and it was the IT bag. It was hillarious because he pulled staff in to show them that he did not make John Romain up because they had never heard of it and thought that he was just making it up. This prompted me to reseach John Romain and came across this post as well as some amazingly beautiful John Romain handbags.

I constantly look on ebay and other sights in the hope of seeing one of the two John Romain purses that I loved. I really was "in love" with my purses. I didn't carry it because I wanted to be preppy, but I thought they were classic and in good taste. I was a college student of the early 70's and continued carrying mine until they were no longer presentable. I pine for John Romain. No other purse has ever measured up. Were they expensive? They don't compare to the ridiculous prices of Michael Kors or Prada. They were affordable for a small town girl who wanted something beautiful. I will stop now, but I will continue to look.....

I just bought a beautiful John Romain purse in a Goodwill thrift store today because it just looked like a quality purse, unique and high end even if I knew it was vintage. Sure enough I went on the internet when I got home and came across this web page. I am an a late eighties; early ninties teen but I am so delighted to read about all the fond memories women have of the bags and their childhoods. The bag means even more to me now that I have read these memories. It seems John Romaine has become a cultural element of the American fabric of the 1960s and 70s in America. Thank you for sharing all of your memories. The memories have added value to the bag for me.

Oh, I loved those John Romain purses. I carried them through high school AND college. My mother let me buy and new one every season, and they were the best. Remember, John Meyer and Ladybug? I grew up in the Atlanta area, and they were all the "rage." Bass Weejuns were the shoe, too, plus clothes from JP Allen. Those were the days!

I was born in 1971 and I'd never heard of John Romain until today. I love flea market shopping and this high quality leather and tweed handbag caught my eye and I just had to have it. I purchased it for $10 and is one of the best purses I've ever owned. I looked up the name on line and it brought me hear. I am glad to know that I got such a deal on a vintage bag!

IN THE MID SIXTIES I BOUGHT MY FIRST JOHN ROMAINE BAG FOR $22.00. Hid it behind the door so my husband wouldn't know I had bought still another bag and that was a lot for a purse then. I loved that bag and remember to this day how I felt carrying it. Since the first bag I bought 2 more, one being his straw trimmed with leather for summer. I wish he would bring more bags back as I don't have any of them now and I still love the look and memory of a John Romaine bag

I have 11 John Romain handbags that I have purchased over the years. I love them all and get many compliments on the quality them. Of course there are a couple that are my favorites and won't depart with, but the others I would. I got my first in 1969.

I just came across this when I googled John Romain. I just picked up one of his bags at a thrift store and although I didn't recognize his name, I knew he must be a great designer because the bag is high quality - dark red tote - love it... in great condition, too. I love to hear how you all treasured your bags. I will love and respect mine. :)

Wow--Just purchased 2 John Romain bags today on Ebay. Love all JR and Aigner bags.. I have my Aigner from HS in GA. My daughter likes all this stuff too--she knows the quality.

Omg...I just pulled out my John Romaine and needed to lock on to this group...It is still so beautiful by the way! I also have my Fave lunch bucket Aigne stored away. We are sooooooo lucky to have experienced such amazing craftsmanship and design during our life time. Really!

My John Romaine was my one true luxury item I owned as a teenager. I begged for one for Christmas, and for the Christmases of 1967 and 1968, that was my only gift, but it was all I wanted! They were beautiful and well made, and though expensive for the time, if you saved your money you could afford one. Oh, the adventures that purse went on with me! I'd love, love to find one, just to have something again that was so special to me.

I remember begging my dad for my first John Romaine straw in 5th grade. I promised I would never ask for another one if he would buy it for me.It was the start of my love affair and addiction with handbags. I have Coach, Brighton, Michael Kors, Oroton, Cole Haan etc. but none compare to John Romaine I would love to have all of my old ones back. Why can't they make them again!

I have 2 john Romain purses still with tags on them. one is a Brown , tan , red purse . Silver John romaine decal .there is a geometric pattern between the brown trim Patent leather handle and accents and the other is a medium brown with an alligator print ( the name on the tag for this one says felix). Can anyone help me out with how much these would cost now a days or at least some more information on these. thank you

Just found a John Romain handbag at a thrift store. I didn't know what it was--didn't see the mark--but I knew it was vintage and the quality was high, and the price was right. I am overjoyed to find so many wonderful memories attached to these handbags. I graduated from high school in 1974, and didn't know a thing about handbags then, and in college all the girls had Aigner bags. I am so happy to uncover this history and a lovely momento for myself.

I have over 50 John Romain and over 1oo Aigner vintage bags and i love everyone of them. I get compliments all the time when i carry one. I think they are the best handbags ever made, they last a long time.

I just got a John Romain on ebay and some of the studs are coming loose from the brads. Does anyone have one of the sets of extra brads and studs that, if memory serves, came with each purse that they'd be willing to sell? or does anyone know how to repair these? Thanks.

I will never forget my 1st John Romain. My older sister had a navy w/tweed and oh how I loved that bag. I would go shopping w/her and stand at the counter longing for one. It must have been 1966 or 67. Well, one day she told me to pick one out and she would buy it for me. (She was 8 years older and working.) She bought me a brown w/tweed just like hers! If only I had that bag today.

eBay is a god resource for used John Romain! I really love them. Just carrying them bringdps back the memories!

I loved reading all the above - my father was the John of John Romain and he would be very proud to know his bags were so cherished!

Arrived at this blog after buying a John Romain at an estate sale today. This lovely lady's items were all classy. I walked in to the clothing display room and laid out were many purses. The John Romain bag caught my eye immediately. I thought it must be 1980's. I could not see the name on the interior (lighting is always bad at estate sales). I did know it was something. I paid $4.00 for the brown leather and tweed bag, which I now believe is from the 70's. Does anyone know if the stamped number below the interior signature is a style number or date stamp. My bag is stamped 8-69. My high school years in Alabama were dominated by Aigner. I am so proud of my new found love, John Romain. That is what is so wonderful about a truly classic bag, it is timeless.

I had a brown and tweed one and LOVED it!!! One Saturday though while in town in the early 70's I left my prized possession in my unlocked Volkswagon bug only to return to no pocketbook...it was stolen! I was devastated! Meanwhile,life went on but I was so sad until one day my mom informed me someone found it and guess where it was?? On a truckload of collard greens about three counties south!! Life was good again!

I graduated high school in '67--and had John Romain a couple of years --THe IT thing in Atlanta Ga along with Villager. Ladybug and weejuns I just posted a couple on EBAY that I got at an estate sale

TO Paula --the 8-69 is the date and they were made in late 60's -I worked at Richs department store in handbags and of course, had a couple in high school and I graduated in '67...I was lucky enoughto find 4 of them here in Atlanta at estate sales -average price now on ebay is 125.00

I too saved up babysitting money to but my first John Romaine purse...the little treasure chest one. I took the bus to the shopping center and carried that bag home guarding it like a treasure. It was perfect. I cannot bear to part with it even though my kids think it's quite funny that I've held on to it for 46 years. It represents so much. Life was definitely different then...good times!

Some of these purses are still available on eBay and Etsy.com. You can also find weekjuns (shoes) (new too).

John Romain!!!!! I was too young to carry a purse when these were all the rage, but I stumbled upon an article about them and quickly recalled my aunt talking about here when I was a child. I immediately Googled them and fell IN LOVE. This was just a year ago. Now I have over 25 John Romain purses in a special section of my closet. Some of them are identical to each other...I simply liked the way certain ones looked and had to have two, in case I messed one up, you know? I'm fanatical about my purses, only collecting Louis Vuittons and John Romains. Of the latter, my John Romain trunks are my absolute favorites...the Trunks are the most beautiful pocketbooks ever made, in my opinion. Do you know which I'm referring to when I say Trunk? They resemble a doctor's bag. As I was saying, I'm fanatical when it comes to my purses, so despite some of my Romains being older than I am, all are in mint conditions. NO STAINS! If the leather looks used, that's ok and what I even expect, but stains on the Belgian linen? Oh no no NO. I sure wish I could show you guys photos of my collection. You'd fall in love!

I apologize for the two misspellings; I'm on my iPad and it wouldn't allow me to proofread what I'd written into this tiny box. I've decided to sell a few (only a few!) of my John Romains so if anyone is interested in owning a minty-looking 50 years old purse, let me know. Since I got my third Romain Trunk this evening--I had two before but my best friend begged for one and since I love her I caved and let her have one--I really need to make more space in my closet. While Romains can be found on eBay (I got several of mine there) it's not always easy to find one in minty looking conditions. Lots on eBay sport stains. Anyway, if you're interested I can be reached at TheReader@hotmail.com. A couple, like my Trunks, I flat-out will not part with. One of my Trunks was NEVER CARRIED. Not once. It's not broken in at all. It's my prized possession as far as purses go. A friend told me I should list the ones I feel like I can part with on eBay, but I've never sold there. Just bought. And bought.

Girls here is your answer to your long lost treasures. I too love them. So much so I have to share with others and for a good cause. It helps abuse victims and Veterans with P.T.S.D Check it out https://www.etsy.com/shop/GodOdditiesDecor?ref=hdr_shop_menu Go to my about page and listen to my testimony Thanks

I graduated in 1970 and I finally got my John Romain in the early 70's. I remember blue ink got on the outside and I cant remember if I gave it to Salvation Army after having it for years or threw it out I should have kept it. I belong to a group in Facebook " If you were brought up in the 50's and 60's in York PA" They talked about the John Romain bag all the girls had. I don't think I did bc we couldn't afford it , but I did get one after school. After we talked about it on Facebook, I bought a John Romain large bag inexcellent condition on Ebay. I never knew there were so many different types. I am now on a mission to get more. Oh how I wish I could go back to the early 70's. I had a good job and could have bought more and kept them. I retired from that good job and will look out for more at flea markets and second hand shops

My Mom just gave me hers today bc I had a fit over it! It's perfect condition is amazing! It was her graduation gift in 1971

Hello to all my fellow John Romain lovers, it's Lynn here--the woman who especially digs the Romain trunk looking pocketbooks. In looking through through these comments I see that Susan Mundis mentioned that there's a Facebook page for John Romain purses. Susan, could you please send me a link to that Facebook page? I'm not on Facebook so I don't know how to go about getting to that page. I sure would appreciate it. Terry, I have some brass John Romain studs somewhere. I'll look for them and give you one. No charge. Shirley, unfortunately John Romain purses are no longer made. I don't know the year Romain Luksberg (the founder) stopped making his handbags, but I do know that when he did he passed the company on to his son. The son's purses were distinguished by spelling Romain with an 'e' on the end. When you see a John Romaine purse, it's a purse from the son's line. The son's line of purses were not near as popular as were those of his father. Cindy, look on eBay or Etsy. Kfroschauer, if you show me pictures of the two you have I can tell you approximately what you could expect if you sell either of them. Not all John Romain purses enjoy the same immense popularity. Thomas, you're a Luksberg? I doff my cap, sir! Lynn

Please bring the John Romaine purse back! Nothing looked like a John Romaine. Nothing dmelled as goid as a new John Romaine. I lost my very first one in 1971 in an awful rainstorm. it was sosked and dripping. i had to throw it awsy. Broke my heart. since then i have purchased and still possess six other John Romaines in brown, brown/black, oxblood, and blue. My first one was for my 16th birthday and was the brown/tweed satchel--the most popular if my day. I still miss it.

I just got my first JR today from eBay for $16. I wanted to know the year it was made the only thing I could find on the inside of the handbag was his name and No. # 00923 can anyone tell what this means? I have another John Romaine come by this weekend : ) !

I just bought 2 John Romaine purses at shoe show In Georgia.They now carry them, I did not know the info about the son taking over. I used to have shoes and bags in the 70's. I was really excited to find these.

A cousin uploaded a photo to Fscebook of herself as a child, along with her mother, father and grandmother. Lo and behold, she was carrying a John Romaine straw purse. My father had a handbag store in Jamaica, NY and I have the very same bag (and others). Loved and still love John Romaine bags.

OMG I found a tweed and leather JR purse at a thrift store last summer for SEVEN DOLLARS!! I had a waitress who couldn't remember my order, or to bring me some ketchup, or refill my iced tea because she was giddy every time she looked at my purse. So I gave it to her. And since then I've purchased a few more, and every time I go out I get compliments. So. Something to love about getting older - John Romain Purses, ladies! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, indeed.

Back in the 70s, I worked for John Romaine handbags in Manhattan. I was too young to appreciate them at that stage!!!

Does anyone know the Hartmans (I think that's the name)? I worked for them at JR. Clifford was the son. Nice people, way back in the 70s...

My mom carried and loved her John Romain bags in the mid '60s! She also loved Ladybug, as many of you spoke about. She worked for Ladybug in the mid '60s, too! If anyone has any Ladybug clothing or accessories that they are interested in selling, please email me, as I am looking for them for my Mom. My email is Chelsea3349@MSN.com - thank you!

I have a John Romain bag that was never used. Still has original paper stuffing inside and the John Romain stringed tag.

Had a John Romain score in the 80's at a yard sale. I loved that purse. I wore it out. I never knew what it was. This Christmas my daughter gave me three purses from eBay! I'm in heaven.

I still have my oxblood leather John Romain shoulder bag, it is in very good condition. My bag was given to me by my preppy boyfriend in 1969,his name is David. This was my Bd present, I was 17, when I was 19 I bought myself a pair of John Romain penny loafers,I no longer have the loafers, but I will never sell my shoulder bag with my 3 braass initials

I am the son of the designer John Romain. I was a 3rd generation handbag maker. Nice to see all the great comments about our bags. Unfortunately we had to close our operations in 1996 due to cheaper import products

Thank you Marco for commenting! I have three of these gorgeous vintage handbags. I was wondering if you would give of a brief history on the company's beginnings, as well as how to properly interpret the codes inside these bags. Thanks!

A shout out to John Romain and his sons Thomas & Marco. I recently learned about John Romain's bags from 60's & 70's. The designs, quality (leather insides) are timeless and still relevant today. I am starting this vintage purse collection anew now. Hope it is not too late. If Thomas or Marco is reading this comment, I wonder if you can shed some light on whether there is any old designs catalogues or documentation on John Romain and his designs that I can search for? I love to learn more about John Romain, his design philosophy and process? Where was the leather, tweed, straw, rattan of purses from and who are the craftsmen/women that made these quality works of art?

I am in love with my past two purchases of John Romain handbags . I purchased them not knowing anything about them . I have learned a bit my question is on the small wicker/rattan and leather pocket book size . Does anyone know the year these were made? I have one with the stamp and the other has brass studs that connect the leather with lions embossed in them?

My Mother recently gifted me her John Romain handbag and I’m very curious as to what the numbers “7-10” signify, on the inside, under Mr. Romains name. I wish there was more information on him. As he seems to have been the icon of baby boomers.

I am a John remain junkie. I can’t remember the year; I’m 64 now but I think I was going into high school and my mother drove me down to Weist Department store in downtown York, Pennsylvania to buy my first John romaine purse. You would’ve thought I was buying my first car it was that exciting to me. I purchased the small purse that look like a treasure chest, all leather oxblood with the small handle & the lion’s emblem above the latch. I can still remember that moment like it was yesterday. I can still remember the smell of the purse. I don’t know what happened to that purse; but was able to purchase one off of Poshmark that looks exactly like the one I bought from Wiest. So many memories.

Sorry some words are misspelled; I was using the microphone.

looking for a navy leather and tweed John Romain bag, or a wallet in brown or navy, that are in near perfect condition for my wife. pls contact me at stockjockey@bellsouth.net Thanks !!

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyfreeman/name/romain-luksberg-obituary?pid=165381196 Mr Romain Luksberg passed in 2013. The handbag business was closed in 1996 after he retired. The most stunning bags I have owned. Got my first in 1970, Concord Bootery, Concord MA, at age 15, a Belgium linen style. Loved my Fisherman's Basket too.

I just stumbled across this fabulous page. I love the stories. I just purchased a John Romain large leather/tweed dr's bag w/grommets dated 9-68. It is in exquisite condition. Love the bag, they do stand the test of time.

I purchased a John Romain handbag at an estate sale last week. It’s burn-out carpetbag tapestry with a silver latch and leather handles. It’s pretty awesome, but strikingly different from the descriptions here or what most of the purses looked like.