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 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.
- Gianni Versace 1991 Marilyn Monroe & James Dean Pop Art Tank TopBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZSnag yourself a piece from the Versace archives! Circa 1991 from Gianni's Warhol collection, this spandex tank top is a rare find and features a pop art motif of pop culture icons Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Includes deep razor back and three gold buttons at the right shoulder. Rock with your Gucci leather jacket...Category
1990s Italian Tank 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
- 1980s Black Fringe Long Sleeve TopLocated in Scottsdale, AZGet your hands on the 1980s Black Fringe Long Sleeve Top—a stunning and playful addition to your wardrobe that captures the essence of luxury and movement. This top isn't just a garm...Category
1980s Shirts
- Gucci Flora Oversized Heavy Felt Logo SweatshirtBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Gucci Flora Oversized Heavy Felt Logo Sweatshirt—an exquisite and vibrant statement piece that combines comfort with the distinctive style of Gucci. This sweatshirt i...Category
2010s Italian Shirts
- 1980s Black & Gold Knit SweaterLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the 1980s Black & Gold Knit Sweater—a show-stopping statement piece that seamlessly blends style and innovation. This sweater isn't just knitwear; it's a wearable work of...Category
1980s Shirts
- Fendi Red Plaid Sequin Button-Up ShirtBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Fendi Red Plaid Sequin Button-Up Shirt—a fun and stylish twist on the classic flannel that seamlessly combines vibrant prints with glamoro...Category
2010s Italian Shirts
- VERSACE S/S 1995 Vintage Iconic Butterfly Print ShirtBy Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Berlin, BEVERSACE Vintage S/S 1995 Iconic Baroque Butterfly Print Shirt Brand: Versace Couture Designer: Gianni Versace Collection / Year: Spring Summer 1995 Fabric: Cotton Color: Yellow / Black / Multi Size: XS The iconic butterfly print made its debut in Gianni Versace’s Spring Summer 1995...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- CELINE BY HEDI SLIMANE 70's Inspired Monochrome ShirtBy CelineLocated in Berlin, BECeline by Heldi Slimane monochrome shirt. This 70s inspired shirt is made from a soft viscose and features a relaxed fit, black and white triangle pattern, a collared neckline, long cuffed sleeves and a front button closure. So typically Hedi Slimane in style - looks amazing styled under a clack suit or easily styled with black jeans and a leather jacket. Made in Italy Fabric: Viscose Size 38 Please refer to measurements below (measured flat and across) Shoulders 49.5cm Bust 57cm Waist 53cm This Celine monochrome...Category
2010s Italian Collars
- Christian Dior Navy Blue Iconic Logo Tank Top Tank Top T-ShirtBy Christian DiorLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILChristian Dior navy blue logo tank top T-Shirt.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French T-Shirts
- D&G Dolce & Gabbana Tube Top With “Vancouver” LogoBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in Hoffman Estates, ILDescription: D&G tube top with Vancouver logo. Specifications: Size MCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Strapless Tops
- Rare Vintage MCM Logo T-shirt Black and WhiteBy MCMLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILVery rare and iconic MCM t-shirt featuring logos in black and white from 1990s.Category
1990s European T-Shirts
- JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS 2001 co-ord mesh shirt and trousers Bacteria printBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Genève, CHCo-ord set with iconic Bacteria print from Gaultier SS 2001, fantastic condition. Made in Italy. Set is Top is in size XL, made of extremely flexible polyamide mesh and can fit from...Category
Early 2000s Italian Trouser Pant Suits