Vintage Mesh Accessories
If you collect purses, then
you probably know one of the hottest collectibles around are mesh purses by
the Whiting & Davis Company. But did you know this same company also
produced other fashion accessories made of mesh?
In the 1930s, when even the most elite fashion magazines were speaking of
penny-pinching due to the Depression, Whiting & Davis produced an assortment
of durable metal mesh accessories, advertising: "Metal Mesh-Hand in Hand
with Fashion." Now, I'll admit, examples of these mesh accessories are rare
in today's market--but many people don't recognize mesh accessories when
they see them. Yet, being made of durable metal mesh, examples of these
unusual accessories are certainly available. I even recall seeing a Whiting
& Davis metal mesh belt (which appeared to be from the early 1940s) in it's
original box, never used.
"It's a Metal Mesh year," one ad proclaimed in February of 1933. Not surprisingly, the company headed their ad by reinforcing their highly successful purse line: "Mesh bags lead the way!...and a new cigarette case that's the hit of the year." Then on to more unusual accessories: "Mesh Belts! Smart costumes take added sparkle from a scintillating belt of Metal Mesh!...hats of Metal Mesh! And light as a feather too…Trimmings? They're here in riotous profusion-collarettes and cuffs, and gorgeous Metal Mesh frilleries in the colors you want. Made in the U.S,.A. by Whiting & Davis Company…World's Largest Producers of Metal Mesh."
(c) 1995 by Kristina Harris
04/21/2006