Our Popular Culture

Classy, sophisticated smokers find cigarette cases a required fashion accessory!

There cannot be a smoker on the planet whose physician hasn’t chided them on every visit regarding this practice. Nonetheless, we continue. Many smokers still remember the 1940s movies, when virtually every glamorous woman and manly man did smoke. Any smoker worth his or her salt also had a cigarette case, which served as a recherche fashion accessory in which the cigarettes reposed when not in use. Although you may not see these items at the mall, there are select shops, both on and offline, which sell these elegant pocket sized cases.

Can you imagine Lauren Bacall, in a glorious sequined and marvelously tailored gown, pulling a cardboard box of cigs out and laying them down on the dinner table? I think not! It would have been a celebrity scandal, had tabloids existed in the 1940s. On the other hand, sliding open an etched silver cigarette case, plucking a cigarette from within, then placing the cigarette case on the damask linen tablecloth before her, was the only way it could be played out. I can’t even imagine her opting for the cardboard box in the most private of settings. So, if we must endure the flack on the habit, why should we too, not use such a device? Oddly enough, most people are less inclined to try to intimidate you with remarks on your smoking status when you use this ritzy accessory.

Cigarette cases can become collectible fashion items, once you start looking. You can find them in a variety of styles and materials. Leather, wood and metal are some of the most popular. You’ll also find metal and inlaid stone cases, with many gold cases etched in lavishly ornate designs. Enamel work, cloisonne and scrimshaw are other choices. Most cases do not hold a full pack of 20 cigarettes, as they’re designed to fit in pocket or purse, with a slim profile which conveys elegance and style.

Before you know it, you’ve got a small, or large, selection, each suited to the occasion. The 24K, etched case would probably not be suited to a foray to the grocery, where it might easily be lost or scratched. The gold cigarette case goes to the ballet or other fancy night on the town. Let’s see, for a grocery run, the plain maroon faux alligator is for everyday use. Men seem to favor the plain black leather style, which says quality without ostentatiousness.

How can a smoker resist this sophisticated cigarette treatment?

Be sure to peruse these Vintage Cigarette Cases!