Vintage Chainmail Cami Tank
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 40 in (101.6 cm)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167218798582
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: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Emanuel Ungaro 1980s Heart Print Button Down BlouseBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Scottsdale, AZStep into the iconic era of the 1980s with our stunning Emanuel Ungaro button-down blouse! This blouse epitomizes the 80s style, featuring classic shoulder...Category
1980s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Gucci Western Print Silk Button Up ShirtBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Gucci Western Print Silk Button-Up Shirt—a fusion of classic elegance and eccentric Western flair. This shirt isn't just an article of cl...Category
2010s Italian Shirts
- Gianni Versace "Native American" Print Silk ShirtBy Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZA very rare true piece of wearable art created by Gianni Versace, circa 1993. A beautiful Gianni Versace Silk Print in excellent condition, the "Nat...Category
1990s Italian Collars
- 1990s Moschino "Roman CarWash" Bandage Bodycon TopBy MoschinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZA rare style from Moschino early 90's "Roman Carwash" Bandage bodycon top with black piping at the seams. This top as 3 thick straps that makes a sexy cap sleeve marked a size 8 but ...Category
1990s Italian Blouses
- 1980s Floral Embroidered Velour BlouseLocated in Scottsdale, AZDress up your outfit with this amazing 1980s mini dress or blouse! Made of black velour, this piece features a v-neckline, an asymmetrical hem, flowy...Category
1980s Unknown Blouses and Tops
- Christiana Beaded Sleeveless Shell Top, 1990sBy ChristianaLocated in Scottsdale, AZBeading and embellishment is so en vogue- rock a unique piece of your own with this amazing beaded sleeveless shell top from Indian label Christiana! Sleeveless shell construction co...Category
1990s Indian Shirts
- Givenchy Camouflage Velcro Patch Men's Polo Shirt Size LBy GivenchyLocated in Downey, CAGivenchy Camouflage Velcro Patch Men's Polo Shirt Size L A classic Givenchy polo with an added twist added on with velcro patch areas for you to make th...Category
2010s Portuguese Shirts
- 1920S Black Silk Crepe Asian Floral Beaded Tunic TopLocated in New York, NYVery good condition however there is some shattering to the silk on one arm hole 1920S Black Silk Crepe Asian Floral Beaded Tunic TopCategory
1920s Tunics
- 1960S Red & Yellow Cotton South American Top Appliquéd With Lizard And BirdsLocated in New York, NY1960S Red & Yellow Cotton South American Top Appliquéd With Lizard And BirdsCategory
1960s Blouses and Tops
- Cotton tunique with flowers print Christian DiorBy Christian DiorLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRCotton tunique with flowers print. Mother of pearls buttons. Front total length= 75 cm Back total length= 87 cm SIZE 40 (Fr) 8 (Us)Category
2010s Italian Chemises
- Morphew Collection Black Charmeuse Halter Tie Scarf TopBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMorphew Collection Black Charmeuse Halter Tie Scarf Top MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from around the globe. Our su...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blouses and Tops
- Morphew Collection Blue, Yellow & Black Geometric Silk Tie Top Made From VintagBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYS-L Morphew Collection Blue, Yellow & Black Geometric Silk Tie Top Made From Vintage Scarf MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blouses and Tops