Whiting & Davis

American

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.

Whiting & Davis fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Whiting & Davis fashion available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Betsey Johnson, Hattie Carnegie, and Vera Wang appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Whiting & Davis fashion from top boutiques around the world. Whiting & Davis fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $96 and tops out at $1,995, while the average work can sell for $550.

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Questions About Whiting & Davis

How old is the Davis Cabinet Company?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
The Davis Cabinet Company is more than 90 years old. The company, founded by Lipscomb "Lip" Davis in 1929, grew out of a lumber mill operation located on the Cumberland River in Tennessee. Owners of the mill opened the Standard Furniture Company to put leftover lumber to use. Davis worked for Standard Furniture for eight years before he bought out the company and reopened it as the Davis Cabinet Company. Find a diverse assortment of Davis Cabinet Company furniture on 1stDibs.
What is Stuart Davis’s art style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Stuart Davis's art style is largely Cubist. He used the hard-edge painting technique to create dramatic differences in color. Many of his works draw inspiration from jazz and swing music, and historians credit him with influencing the Pop artists that emerged later in the 20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Stuart Davis art.
Why is Off-White so popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
Off-White is so popular for a few reasons. Many people simply love the brand's sneakers and shoes, shirts, hoodies and bags that are frequently emblazoned with bold graphics and the iconography of American metropolitan centers. The beloved late designer Virgil Abloh, the brand’s founder, also helped to extend the reach of Off-White through collaborations with well-known brands like Gucci, Birkenstock, Nike and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, many celebrities have been photographed wearing Off-White apparel, shoes and accessories. Among them are Camila Cabello, Bella Hadid, Nicole Kidman, Joan Smalls, Solange Knowles, Kendall Jenner and Rihanna. Shop a diverse assortment of Off-White apparel, shoes and accessories.
What is white ironstone?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
White ironstone is an antique pottery originally made in the United Kingdom. It was created in the 19th century as a cheaper, mass-produced alternative to porcelain. Shop white ironstone on 1stDibs.
What is white gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
White gold is an alloy composed of roughly 75% gold and 25% nickel and zinc. This alloy was originally crafted to mimic platinum.
What is a white quartz?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
White quartz, also called milk quartz, is believed to be a powerful healing and balancing gemstone. The white hue is caused by small fluid inclusions of liquid, gas, or both that are trapped during the crystal formation. Shop a collection of vintage and modern white quartz jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
What does Off-White stand for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
As a brand, Off-White stands for the symbolic meaning that late founder Virgil Abloh assigned to the color off-white. Specifically, Abloh explained that, to him, off-white is the gray area between black and white, light and dark and good and evil. These dichotomies mirror Off-White's approach to design, which combines elements of haute couture and casual streetwear. On 1stDibs, find a range of Off-White apparel and accessories.
Who founded Off-White?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
Virgil Abloh founded Off-White. The late American designer and entrepreneur established the luxury brand in Milan, Italy, in 2013. Prior to creating his own brand, Abloh worked for the Italian luxury fashion house of Fendi. Find a wide range of Off-White apparel, accessories and furniture from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
Why is Off-White so popular? DISABLED for question id 1949072
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
Off-White is so popular for a number of reasons. For one thing, fans of the label and the work of the late founder and designer Virgil Abloh (1980–2021) appreciate that its distinctive luxury-quality pieces are created with streetwear trends in mind. Collaborations with major brands like Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Louis Vuitton and the NBA also helped popularize Off-White and broaden its reach. Plus, many celebrities like Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Kendall Jenner and Odell Beckham Jr. have been photographed wearing Off-White pieces. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Off-White apparel and accessories.
What does white sapphire symbolize?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
What white sapphire symbolizes varies based on individual beliefs. Due to its color, white sapphire is synonymous with purity and innocence for many people. Others believe that the gemstone represents good fortune and protection from evil. White sapphire is also the birthstone for Cancer sun signs in western astrology. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of white sapphire jewelry.
Is Off-White a luxury brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Yes, Off-White is a luxury brand. Founded by the late American designer Virgil Abloh, the Italian fashion house is lauded for its hip collaborations and range of sneakers and shoes, shirts, hoodies and bags that are frequently emblazoned with bold graphics and the iconography of America's metropolitan centers. Many people see Off-White as a bridge between streetwear and haute couture because its pieces reflect the latest trends while featuring the fine craftsmanship associated with luxury. Find a selection of Off-White apparel, bags, shoes and accessories on 1stDibs.
Who makes Off-White clothing?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
The brand Off-White makes Off-White clothing. Designer Virgil Abloh founded the brand in 2013 and served as its creative director until his death in 2021. Stylist Ibrahim Kamara took over the role in 2022. Shop a wide range of Off-White apparel from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What is antique white color?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
The antique white color is a hue that combines grey and white and has a bronze undertone. It is classified as a soft and warm off white.
Is white furniture nice?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
Whether white furniture is nice is largely a matter of personal preference. However, many people like the clean, bright appearance of white pieces, and the neutral color is versatile enough to work with many palettes and interior design themes. Shop a selection of white furniture on 1stDibs.
Is there a white gold Rolex?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Rolex makes several different watches in white gold, giving you lots of options. According to the Rolex website, its white gold is made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected before being formed and shaped into the fine timepieces that you expect from Rolex. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from top sellers around the world.
What is a fancy white diamond?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
Fancy white diamonds are dazzling opaque white diamonds. They have a translucent appearance that is similar to white moonstone. They contain minute particles that scatter light and cause the stone to look somewhat turbid white. Find a wide variety of fancy white diamond jewelry on 1stDibs today.
Are white diamonds more valuable?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
White diamonds are more valuable the higher the clarity and lower the color. Because colorless diamonds are so rare, they are prized over yellower diamonds.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Yes, white diamonds are considered to be more valuable. Since most white diamonds have a natural hue, the ones that have a higher color grade, excellent cut, and uncompromising clarity are more valuable than a white diamond with a tinge of yellow. Hence, the clearer and more colorless the diamond is, the rarer and more valuable it is. Find white diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
What is the best white dinnerware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
The best white dinnerware is a matter of personal preference. To select the best one, we suggest thinking about styles and price as well as your specific needs so you can find the best set for your preferences and budget. Visit 1stDibs for the most suitable dinnerware options to choose from.
Is Off-White a designer brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Yes, Off-White is a designer brand. The term designer brand refers to a brand that features the designs of a particular person or group of people. Initially, founder Virgil Abloh served as Off-White's creative director and designer. Following Abloh's death in 2022, Sabrina Mandelli and Wayne Fitzell designed for the brand, and in 2023, Ibrahim Kamara took over as the creative director for Off-White. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Off-White apparel and accessories.
What is a white Oxford shirt?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
A white Oxford shirt is a white dress shirt or casual sports shirt made of Oxford cloth, which is a durable and heavily structured fabric that consists of multiple weft threads that cross over an equal number of warp threads. Oxford cloth is said to have originated in a Scottish mill during the 19th century. The popularization of the Oxford cloth button-down shirt style, which is commonly abbreviated as OCBD, has been traced to when Brooks Brothers president John Brooks witnessed a polo match in England back then. He was so compelled by the fact that the players’ shirt collars were fastened to their shirts with buttons that he returned to the States and created a shirt design informed by the players’ garments. Oxford shirts now come in all kinds of colors and prints. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of shirts.