Skip to main content

Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

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.

to
1
1
1
36
24
17
15
10
1
1
1
Designer: Whiting & Davis
Whiting and Davis 1980s Gold Metal Chainmail Vintage Metallic 80s Belt
By Whiting & Davis
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 80s vintage WHITING & DAVIS gold chain mail metal belt ! Features signature chainmail in a bright metallic gold. Large gold buckle. Really makes any outfit complete. Great...
Category

1980s American Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Related Items
Cartier "Byzantine" Belt or Necklace in Gold Vermeil, Signed, circa 1970
By Cartier
Located in McKinney, TX
An extremely rare gold vermeil belt by Cartier, circa 1970, also can be worn as a chunky statement necklace. This highly sought after and coveted belt is made from solid sterling si...
Category

1970s American Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

F/W 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Kate Moss Square G Logo Navy Leather Runway Belt
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vintage Gucci 'G' unisex belt with a modern design designed by Tom Ford. This sought-after belt is from Tom Ford's first fall collection with the house of Gucci...
Category

1990s Italian Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Chanel Vintage Black Satin Bow with Gold Buckle, Chain and Medalion Belt
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Vintage Black Satin Bow with Gold Buckle, Chain and Medalion Belt. This vintage Chanel belt is a luxury addition to any closet. The item features a black satin bow and a large...
Category

2010s French Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Chromed belt with perforated metal mesh by Paco Rabanne - France Circa 1970
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965-1975 France  Original chromed metal belt by Paco Rabanne (attributed to). Square perforated links connected by hooks. No Paco Rabanne label, but typical of the designer's ...
Category

1960s French Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Tortoise Resin and Brass Waist Hip Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in North Miami, FL
This tagged lovely vintage french waist / hip belt by Yves Saint Laurent is circles and squares of tortoise resin set with brass connectors and hardwar...
Category

1970s French Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

HERMES c.1980's Burgundy Lizard Skin Leather Equestrian Ring Belt Gold Hardware
By ERIC BERGERE, Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
Hermes c.1980's Burgundy Lizard Skin Leather Equestrian Ring Belt Gold Hardware Brand / Manufacturer: Hermes Designer: Eric Bergere Circa: 1980's Sty...
Category

1980s French Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

F/W 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Oversized G Logo Buckle Dark Green Leather Belt
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vintage Gucci 'G' unisex belt with a modern design designed by Tom Ford. This sought-after belt is from Tom Ford's first fall collection with the Gucci house, and it was...
Category

1990s Italian Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Wide Adjustable Brown Leather Statement Belt w Rococo Gold Buckle – XS-L, 1980s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Guaranteed to be the focal point of any outfit, this belt is a hybrid of a traditional wide belt and a waist cincher thanks to its oversized scrolling gold buckle. Featuring two gold...
Category

1980s Unknown Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Woven Silvery Gold Tone Metal Thread Buckle and Belt c. 1970s
Located in Munich, DE
Unique c. 1970s woven metal thread belt with metal disk buckle. The alluring artisanal belt features a round metal disk buckle covered with woven patinized silvery gold tone metal threads. The buckle is set on a smooth metal wire belt...
Category

1970s Unknown Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Gold Tone Rhinestone Safety Pin Medusa Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an extremely rare gold-tone Gianni Versace safety pin chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this rhinestone accented belt debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 82, modeled by Christy Turlington Burns. This belt features a Greek key chain and is complete with clusters of gold safety pins. The safety pin, a Versace house code, was made infamous when worn by Elizabeth Hurley and has been reused in more recent collections by Donatella. If this iconic house code was not Versace enough, each safety pin features a Versace Medusa relief...
Category

1990s Italian Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Medusa Silk Scarf Lady Bug Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This pink scarf belt from Gianni Versace's Spring/Summer 1995 collection is crafted from silk and features a playful ladybug print. It includes large Versace Medusa medallions for de...
Category

1990s Italian Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Gold Tone Medusa Medallion Chain Belt
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible gold-tone Gianni Versace chain belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this chic belt debu...
Category

1990s Italian Whiting & Davis Waist Belts

Whiting & Davis waist belts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Whiting & Davis waist belts available on 1stDibs. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Whiting & Davis waist belts from top boutiques around the world. Whiting & Davis waist belts prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $695 and tops out at $695, while the average work can sell for $695.
Questions About Whiting & Davis Waist Belts
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Whether Whiting & Davis bags are made in China varies. The company was founded in Plainville, Massachusetts, in 1876 and has been based in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, since 1995. Its collectible vintage handbags were largely produced at its own workshop in Massachusetts. However, Whiting & Davis has outsourced some of its newer bags to factories in China. On 1stDibs, find a range of Whiting & Davis apparel and accessories.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    Off-White used to be called Pyrex Vision. That was the name of designer Virgil Abloh's fashion brand when he first launched it in 2012. The following year, he renamed the company Off-White. In interviews, Abloh explained that the name represented the area between black and white, symbolizing that his brand's style fell between streetwear and couture fashion. Find a collection of Off-White apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    White gold was invented during the 19th century when jewelers discovered how to alloy gold with palladium. In 1912, German jewelry makers began using white gold as an inexpensive alternative to palladium. Over the decades that followed, the use of white gold spread, and today, many luxury jewelry makers produce pieces from the material. Find a wide range of white gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    How much Off-White is worth will vary depending on the type, style, age and condition. Collectors are often interested in luxury brands' limited edition pieces, such as those produced as a part of collaborations with Nike and Louis Vuitton. Overall, selling prices for Off-White apparel and accessories are generally in the hundreds, but select items may sell for significantly more. A certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert in the fashion industry can be of assistance when trying to determine the value of a particular piece. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Off-White apparel and accessories.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All