Whiting & Davis Circa 1970s
View Similar Items
Whiting & Davis Circa 1970s
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 23 in (58.42 cm)Marked Size: 4 (US)Bust: 40 in (101.6 cm)Waist: 42 in (106.68 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Cincinnati, OH
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU254612662
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.
- Vintage Moschino Plush Leopard Print VestBy Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in Oakland, CAThis is a vintage Moschino "Cheap and Chic" plush furry vest. This is not a fur piece. While the garment tag has been removed, I'm certain that this is a faux-fur synthetic fabric. ...Category
1990s Italian Vests
- Marni Two-In-One Vest and JacketBy MarniLocated in Oakland, CAThis is a Marni jacket with zip-in sleeveless vest. The color is a military green. Note the gathering at the cuffs and collar area. The jacket is composed of Cotton and Polyester. ...Category
2010s Italian Jackets
- Yohji Yamamoto Silver Metallic Spray Paint JacketBy Yohji YamamotoLocated in Oakland, CAThis is an open-front Yohji Yamamoto jacket in a metallic silver color. It has an unevenness and "distressing" that gives it a spray painted look. While it first glance this looks li...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Jackets
- Rare Vintage Kenzo Fleece Oversize Hooded Camel OvercoatLocated in Oakland, CARare vintage Kenzo open fleece wrap/jacket, almost like a cloak. Soft tan camel color. Oversize hood. Two front bucket pockets. Hook and eye closure at neck. Soft fleece...Category
1970s Japanese Jackets
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Wool and Velvet BlazerBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Oakland, CAClassic YSL black tuxedo jacket. Wool with silk velvet lapels and cuffs. Fitted shape. Two button closures. Lightly padded shoulders. Two hip pockets with velvet lining. Lined. ...Category
1980s Italian Dinner Jackets
- Gucci Brown Tailored BlazerBy GucciLocated in Oakland, CAMenswear-inspired Gucci tailored jacket. Chest pocket, two slant pockets on right hip, one left. Two button closure. Three button detailing on cuffs...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jackets
On Hold$300