Avant Garde 1970s Whiting & Davis Red + Black + Silver Chainmail Metal Mesh Top
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small / Medium (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6628442332
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 Whiting & Davis 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: San Diego, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 1990s Ralph Lauren Black Label Size 14 Paisley Velvet Off the Shoulder BlouseBy Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Black LabelLocated in San Diego, CAChic mid 90s vintage RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION black label paisley lightweight velvet Size 14 blouse top ! Features warm tones of tau...Category
1990s Hong Kong Bishop Sleeve Blouses
- Roberto Cavalli 2000s Size 44 / US 8 Blue Leopard Silk Sleeveless Ruffle BlouseBy Roberto CavalliLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful never worn early 2000s Y2K ROBERTO CAVALLI blue leopard animal print sleeveless silk shirt ! Blue, gray, taupe, black and white with signature Roberto Cavalli logo scribble...Category
Early 2000s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Amazing Vintage ' Leaning Tower of Pisa ' Fully Sequined Long Sleeve Top BlouseLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing vintage 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' fully sequined novelty cotton top! Thousands of colorful and black hand-sewn sequins throughout. The perfect statement worthy piece! Single bu...Category
1990s American Blouses and Tops
- Vintage Moschino Black Silk Chiffon 1990s Sleevless Harlequin 90s Top BlouseBy MoschinoLocated in San Diego, CAChic vintage MOSCHINO black chiffon 'Harlequin' sleeveless top! Features triangular panels of chiffon, with raw edges, layered throughout. Raw edges straps. Looks amazing on! Can eas...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Vintage Jeanette Kastenberg 1980s St Martin Black Silver Sequin 80s Silk BlouseBy Jeanette KastenbergLocated in San Diego, CASuperb vintage 1980s JEANETTE KASTENBERG for St. Martin black and silver sequin top! Features all over sequins in a zig-zag pattern. Silver sequin wa...Category
1980s American Blouses and Tops
- Valentino 1990s Leopard Animal Print Black Ivory Gold V Cufflinks Silk BlouseBy ValentinoLocated in San Diego, CAChic vintage 90s VALENTINO MS V leopard animal print silk top ! Features black, ivory and gold metallic throughout. Gold V logo cufflinks at each sleeve ...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Beige Navy Sheer Ombré Silk Button Up Plunge TopBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a beautiful sheer ombré Gucci shirt, designed by Tom Ford for the Spring/Summer 1997 collection. The button closure stops about halfway up the front for a plunging necklin...Category
1990s Italian Blouses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Tartan Checked Striped Red Mesh Transparent Shirt Tee TopBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRMotorcycle mesh top by Jean Paul Gaultier! EXCELLENT condition! Transparent ! :) Jean Paul Gaultier tab on the back. SIZE Women: fits from medium to large. Men: fits from XS mediu...Category
Early 2000s Italian T-Shirts
- 1920s Navy Blue Silk Blouse or Evening JacketLocated in New York, NYVERY BREEZY presents: This vintage 1920s silk blouse is a little piece of flapper history, and a very rare find. The 1920s was a period of liberatio...Category
1920s Blouses
- Yves Saint Laurent Orange & Black Striped Silk Vintage Blouse With Sash BowBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Portland, ORThis early 1980's YSL vintage blouse is in a luxe silk in an orange and black striped print. Yves Saint Laurent was a prolific designer and he paid attention to even the smallest detail in his pieces. His vintage blouses are some of the most beautiful out there and they fit seamlessly into modern wardrobes. This YSL top...Category
1980s European Blouses
- Yves Saint Laurent Orange & Green Leaf Print Blouse With Bow SashBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage Yves Saint Laurent silk blouse in a bold botanical leaf print in shades of orange and green. This great YSL top has a neck sash that can be t...Category
1980s European Blouses
- Yves Saint Laurent Plaid Silk and Black Velvet Vintage Long Sleeve TopBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Portland, ORThis is a lovely vintage Yves Saint Laurent red, purple and black plaid silk blouse with black cotton velvet trim. This late 1970s or early 1980's blouse has a rounded boat neck style neckline trimmed in black velvet with a buttoned keyhole opening on the back. This blouse has balloon sleeves with black cotton velvet cuffs that also have double buttons. Labeled Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Made in France. Excellent condition, no flaws found. This YSL top...Category
1980s European Blouses
