OK so when you search for a "metal shirt" on the internet you don't exactly get a shirt made of metal. You see, Fashionable Reader, I have one of these draped metal shirts from the 1970s. Mine is gold and a halter.
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| Image off Etsy |
I've considered wearing mine more as a massive scarf necklace, but never really had the guts.
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| Still available for purchase. |
I also have matching earrings from the 1980s, not Whiting & Davis, I don't think. Just cheap ones.
Anyway, what's my point? My point is that while I was in NY a reader gave me a Whiting & Davis Gold Mesh Purse that also matches! It's a Victorian style gate top reticule from (most likely) the 1920s. I've never seen a gate top in person, certainly not in this good condition.
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| Images of Etsy but mine is exactly the same |
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| Lilliput was very intrigued |
Whiting & Davis did whole dresses and full shirts in the 1980s out of this stuff. That's when I most remember this metal mesh material. However, the material scientist in me objects because it isn't technically mesh. I just know there is a special name, as opposed to the cumbersome Whiting & Davis Metal Mesh fabric. Consulted my best friend (a professional seamstress and costume designer) and she reached out and we got the following: coin mail or metal mail (also spelled maille); liquid gold or metallic scale fabric. Eventually, it turns out, the offical name is alphamesh scale.
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| via private listing |
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| 1970s 1stdibs.com |
Yech, what an awful term for such a great fabric. Some small back of my brain is convinced it needs a Proper Name, like lurex (although, obviously, not lurex). What should it be? Tell me, tell me please?
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| 2014 Kaufman Franco Runway |
Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.
I'm totally jealous of that purse. I collect vintage purses, especially mesh ones. I saw one similar to that one, but silver and with crystals in the cap portion, at an antique store for close to $300. I wanted it so badly but just couldn't afford it.
ReplyDeletei thinks it's lamé.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lam%C3%A9_%28fabric%29
As you can see by my nom de plume metal-mesh is the correct term by which you refer to the 100% metal interlocked chain that creates the magical "fabric" which is really classified as jewelry even when it is joined to form the most extravagant gowns.Whiting & Davis refer to it as metal-mesh,as well as Anthony Ferrara who designed all of the clothing line for them.I have an amazing collection of over 300 metal-mesh dresses,blouses,skirts,halters,and handbags.Part of my collection was filmed on the Antiques Roadshow this year,and might be featured on the Kansas City episodes
ReplyDeleteMy dear MsMetal Mesh,
DeleteI would be thrilled to see your vast mesh collection in a photograph book! Do look into this prospect. I will be the first to purchase a copy.
Please forgive my tardiness in reading such a glittering review of Whiting & Davis mesh accoutrements. It affords me unfeigned pleasure that you and Lilliput have given your keen approval to my humble gift. The mesh gated reticule was a token to commemorate your rare sojourn to New York's fabled borough of Brooklyn. Also rare is that the reticule was originally from the esteemed New York department store Best & Co. which is, alas no longer purveys fine goods. Now, how shall we Knickerbockers go about having you visit Manhattan in the not too far future?
ReplyDelete