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 Vintage Black Metal Mesh Halter Top, 1970s/1980s
By Whiting & Davis
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
An iconic vintage Whiting & Davis black metal mesh halter top, crafted in the USA with the brand’s signature fluid metal mesh construction. Featuring a dramatic plunging cowl nec...
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Silver Gun Patina Metal Mesh Halter Top
Located in Nice, FR
Vintage gun patina metal mesh halter top with front slit and grey satin detailing. Slip on. Ties in the neck. Hook and snap closure system in t...
Vintage late 1970s Gold Chain Mail Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Blouse UK 14 US 10
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Nashville, TN
This glamorous 1980's Whiting & Davis gold mesh blouse, is the perfect statement piece of fashion history for your cocktail wardrobe. The angular square...
Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Halter Top, Evening Bag and Headband 3pc Set
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This rare three-piece vintage Whiting & Davis ensemble showcases the brand’s iconic craftsmanship in shimmering gold metal mesh. Dating to the late 1970s or early 1980s, the set ...
Katayone Adeli evening silk, lace and metallic patch top
By Katayone Adeli
Located in New York, NY
Katayone Adeli black silk evening top has soft patches of textured lace, metallic weaves and silks. The neckline and armhole are all finished with hand-rolled silk and handstitche...
$1,895
Size: Small - Medium
1970s Whiting & Davis Vintage Gold Chainmail Halter Top 70s Disco Cowl Backless
By Whiting & Davis, Whiting Davis
Located in San Diego, CA
A true liquid-gold moment from the iconic house of Whiting & Davis, this vintage metal mesh halter top captures the essence of 1970s disco glamour—where movement, light, and attitude...
Vintage Chainmail Cami Tank
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Flirty and festive vintage chainmail tank top in the most eye catching red, black and silver print. Featuring leather chord straps that tie which allow for versatility as you can adjust them to your desired fit. The center has a silver diamond shape breaking apart the red and black which is soo fun and reminiscent of the 1920s. The stand out element of this top is definitely the chainmail fabric, it's so heavy and luxurious and the way it drapes on the body is so flattering and slinky. This is going to be your new favorite going out top! Let the fabric have it's own moment and pair this with your go to leather Prada jeans and a black Manolo heel...
Gianni Versace Couture 90s Metallic Mesh Silver Top It. 38
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Iconic from 90's Metallic Mesh Italian size 38 Silver-tone Metallic Mesh This top has a matching draping metal scarf that is perma...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1983 Vintage Cutout Wrap Top
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Alaïa top with abstract print throughout, surplice neck and buckle closure at waist. Size not listed, estimated from measurements. All Eyes on Alaïa For th...
Rabanne top by Paco Rabanne Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - 2001 Spring-summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Paco Rabanne. Stretch black top made with silvery metalic mesh. Size 38FR indicated. Mad...
