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Whiting Davis Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

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.

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Designer: Whiting Davis
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 ...
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1970s American Whiting Davis Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

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Whiting Davis suits, outfits and ensembles for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Whiting Davis suits, outfits and ensembles available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Geoffrey Beene, Bob Mackie, and Halston appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Whiting Davis suits, outfits and ensembles from top boutiques around the world.
Questions About Whiting Davis Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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