When you hear the name Whiting & Davis, chances are your mind immediately conjures images of those iconic, shimmering mesh handbags. And rightly so! For over a century, they've been synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless style. But what's fascinating is how this legacy of metallic artistry extends far beyond just carrying your essentials.
It all began back in 1876, with Wade Davis & Company. The real magic, though, started brewing in 1892 when Mr. Whiting designed the very first mesh bag, each tiny ring painstakingly formed and joined by hand. Imagine that dedication! By 1912, innovation struck with a machine to automate the mesh-making process, a pivotal moment that paved the way for wider accessibility. Then, in 1896, Charles Whiting and Mr. Davis joined forces, officially forming The Whiting & Davis Company.
The Roaring Twenties saw their beautiful, high-quality purses become the must-have accessory for flappers and the era's most fashionable women. Their reach expanded dramatically, solidifying their status as the world's leading mesh handbag manufacturer – a title they still hold today. Early designs featured precious metals, their beauty derived from clever metal color combinations and delicate fringe. By the decade's end, they were experimenting with bold Art Deco painted mesh and the ethereal Dresden mesh, hand-silkscreened in dreamy hues.
The 1930s brought collaborations with legendary designers like Paul Poiret and Elsa Schiaparelli, infusing their creations with Parisian flair and modern shapes. Even during the challenges of World War II, when production shifted to radar equipment, the spirit of mesh endured. Post-war, they returned to their roots, and the slogan "Hand in Hand with Fashion" perfectly captured their enduring connection to style.
But here's where things get really interesting, and perhaps a little unexpected. The 1970s, that era of disco balls and dazzling nights, saw Whiting & Davis embrace a new dimension. Their "soft, sensuous and slithery handbags" weren't the only stars. They also ventured into creating glittering halter tops and dresses made of their signature mesh. Suddenly, that same metallic sheen that adorned wrists and shoulders was gracing entire outfits, perfect for dancing the night away to Donna Summer.
This wasn't a fleeting trend. The 1980s continued this exploration, with mesh accessories and apparel gracing the pages of fashion magazines and the bodies of models. Think of Christie Brinkley gracing the cover of Cosmopolitan in a Whiting & Davis metal mesh dress in 1983 – a true testament to the material's versatility and glamour.
Even today, the brand's influence is felt. From Lady Gaga incorporating their bags into avant-garde looks to editorial spreads in Vogue Germany and features in Shape Magazine, Whiting & Davis continues to innovate. While their handbags remain a cornerstone, the historical foray into mesh apparel, particularly those dazzling halter tops of the 70s, reminds us that their legacy is about more than just accessories; it's about the captivating, fluid beauty of metal mesh itself, a material that has draped and adorned in countless dazzling ways throughout fashion history.
