Whiting & Davis Silver Mesh Metal Top
View Similar Items
Whiting & Davis Silver Mesh Metal Top
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 27 in (68.58 cm)Marked Size: M (US)Bust: 42 in (106.68 cm)
- Style:1980's (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Carmel, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4173899781
Whiting & Davis
You might not expect chain-mesh bags to predate sliced bread by three decades, but it’s true. The very first mesh purse was created by Charles Whiting (1864–1940) in 1892 while working for the jewelry manufacturer Wade Davis & Company in Plainville, Massachusetts. Whiting joined the company at the age of 16, and by 1896 he formed a partnership to purchase it, renaming it the Whiting & Davis Company.
While the original mesh purse was made entirely by hand — artisans hammered out the links and wove them together — the company developed a machine to automate fabrication in 1912. With the ability to produce more rapidly and prolifically, Whiting & Davis became a veritable mesh empire, creating handbags and purses in all shapes, styles and colors, including ones made from precious metals, painted with Art Deco designs and silk-screened with Impressionistic images. The purses became status icons for the stylish elite, particularly with the flappers of the 1920s.
Over the years, Whiting & Davis struck up partnerships with some of the most talented designers of the time, including Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli and Elsa Peretti, who used their mesh in elegant pieces for Tiffany & Co., propelling their popularity even further. After a brief hiatus during World War II, when Whiting & Davis produced radar equipment rather than handbags, the brand continued to develop an ever-expanding line of products that included clothing.
In the 1970s, Whiting & Davis accessories and clothing were the rage of the disco scene. By the early 2000s, everyone from Paris Hilton to Lady Gaga donned the brand’s mesh handbags. Recent innovations to their offerings include color mesh and fine mesh, with the brand refocusing on fashion jewelry with the launch of a new collection in 2013 featuring a revamped vintage snake-bracelet design. The company has been based in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, since 1995, also supplying its renowned chain mesh for industrial uses like work gloves and protective applications such as shark suits for divers.
Find vintage Whiting & Davis mesh handbags, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Explicit HOT SEX Top DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Carmel, CAThis iconic piece, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Jean Paul Gaultier Femme in the 1990's, is showcased in taupe with navy letters throughout, as well as navy stitching at the trim. Top reads "HOT SEX...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Comme des Garcons 2002 Rosette Vest and Braid TopBy Rei KawakuboLocated in Carmel, CARei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons AD 2002 Rosette Vest and Braid Top Rare and collectible Rei Kawakubo cotton rosette vest with a long shawl scarf with several rosettes folded into...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Shirts
$650 Sale Price53% Off - Obiko Art to Wear Silk Embroidered DusterLocated in Carmel, CABurnout velvet duster is featured in neutral tones with a black embroidered trim along the opening and at the cuffs. Duster has embroidered roses throughout, pockets at the waist, th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Coats and Outerwear
$960 Sale Price33% Off - Oscar de la Renta 1970's Sequin-Embellished Shift DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Carmel, CAOscar de la Renta 1970's Sequin Embellished Dress -- Featured in a maroon color embellished with sequins. Dress has a back zipper fastening and a full lining. Dress is in great vinta...Category
1970s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- James Galanos for Amelia Gray Print Silk Day Dress 1960'sBy James GalanosLocated in Carmel, CAJames Galanos for Amelia Gray of Beverly Hills silk broadcloth ladies day dress with beautiful floral print. Dress features a dropped waist and matching fabric neck tie or belt (show...Category
1970s American Informal Dresses
$500 Sale Price23% Off - Versace Studded Leather Motorcycle JacketBy VersaceLocated in Carmel, CAVersace Studded Light Brown Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Classic motorcycle zipper and belting. Buckles at cuffs. Rayon lining. Size 6, 38" Chest. Foxy Couture...Category
2010s Italian Jackets
- RARE Vintage 90s CHANEL CC Logo Monogram Lime Green White Graffiti Short SleeveBy ChanelLocated in Malibu, CA🖤Simply Stunning!!!🖤 You will be the chicest of the chic in this vintage Chanel beauty! OVERSIZED CHANEL logo and CC’s adorn the entire fabric including right around the collar. ...Category
1990s T-Shirts
- VERSACE – 2008 Multicolor Viscose Top with Pleated Shoulder Straps Size 4USBy Donatella Versace, VersaceLocated in Cuggiono, MIHere is a multicolor top with pleated shoulder straps. It features a side zip closure and it is dated 2008, which means that the head of design was at the time Donatella Versace. It ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tank Tops
- Jean Paul Gaultier Kim Kardashian Mesh Optical Illusion Striped Nude Body TopBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier Transparent Yellow Purple Optical Illusion Striped Nude Body Sculpture Venus JPG Tattoo Vintage 90s 1996 SS Mad Max Tee Top Shirt Jean Paul Gaultier yellow...Category
1990s Tunics
- Jean-Paul Gaultier Cyber Psychedelic Dots Optical Illusion Crop top BustierBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean-Paul Gaultier Cyber Psychedelic Dots Dotted Optical Illusion Kendall Jenner Kardashian Runway Multicolor crop top Bustier Bolero From Jean Paul Ga...Category
2010s Bustiers
- Jean Paul Gaultier Torso Goddess Kardashian Venus Nude Trompe L'oeil Top CamiBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier Venus De Milo Torso Optical Illusion Nude Sculpture S/S 1999 Kim Kardashian Kylie Jenner Iconic Collector Soleil Tank Top S...Category
1990s European Sleeveless Shirts
- VERSACE Tribute 2017 Warhol SS 1991 Marilyn Monroe and James Dean T-shirtBy VersaceLocated in Rubiera, REVERSACE Tribute 2017 WARHOL SS 1991 T-Shirt Limited Edition Size S Unisex Made in Italy Flat measures: Length cm. 65 Shoulders cm. 48 Bust cm. 49.5 Sleeve cm. 18.5 New with tag, nev...Category
2010s Italian T-Shirts