Vintage WHITING and DAVIS
1896
Charles Whiting joins the company in 1880 at age 16 and swiftly moves up
the ranks to management. In 1896, he and Mr. Davis form a partnership and
raise the money to purchase the company, renaming it The Whiting & Davis
Company.
1920s
Whiting & Davis’ beautiful, high quality purses are the coveted accessory of
flappers, actresses and "well dressed women everywhere." Through
automation and advertising, the company expands its reach, becoming, and
remaining to this day, the world’s leading mesh handbag manufacturer.
By the 1970s
Gold Rush! Whiting’s "soft, sensuous and slithery handbags," halter tops and
dresses are the perfect glittering accessories for a decade spent writhing under
disco balls to Donna Summer and ABBA.