The Danziger Story

In 1918 a young man from Lithuania got off a boat that docked in South Africa. All he had with him was a small suitcase and a few odds and ends he wished to sell. This young man’s name was Solly Danziger (my grandfather).

A few months later Danziger’s was opened in downtown Johannesburg. In 1925 the business started booming and rapidly grew with Solly traveling to Europe frequently to buy wonderful notions from all the different factories then producing the best and latest trims, costume jewelry, buttons, ribbons and anything else he could fit into his business (This business was nicknamed by many as “Aladdin’s Cave” since it was filled with anything that could make a designer's dream come true). Many boxes kept arriving and soon Danzigers was the biggest haberdashery business on the African continent …still to this day it is a household name synonymous with quality fashion designer notions and accessories.

Enter Lisa, Solly’s granddaughter who at a very young age found it fun to rummage through all the old tiaras, hair barrettes and jewellery at the store. Having returned to South Africa after studying in Europe Lisa who had always had a passion and love for ‘old’ and 'beautiful’ things decided to carry on the tradition and join the family business. Her father Gerald had joined the business in the 1950's and was running it at that time. Lisa became the third generation to take over and run the business after her father retired.

After leaving South Africa three years ago, Lisa and husband Andrew have teamed up and are rapidly sinking their teeth into the vintage market throughout the United States, selling their wares that all date back to the 20’s. Almost all of the items have been shipped from South Africa and are being unveiled for the first time since they were bought by Solly in the 20’s.

“My grandfather always said, "There is never too much inventory. Inventory is not like bread it will never spoil.” quotes Lisa. And luckily for that way of thinking as today the boxes are filled with wonders of vintage stock all in original packaging, on original cards, and as Solly once said “unspoilt.”

Lisa's usual punch line at each show is, "everything you see here is vintage - - - all except myself that is.” And ain't that the truth!

Now in 2003 with electronic technology Lisa and Andrew can open up “Aladdin’s Cave” to the rest of the world through AccessoriesOfOld.com.