Hello,

For a few years now there have been mesh chain purses available in
stores.  These are made with a specific kind of fabric that is
metallic and drapes well.  For example,
http://www.weddingaccents.com/product_image.php?imageid=1608

I am looking for a fabric supplier that provides this kind of fabric,
and also an evening gown for sale that uses this same kind of mesh
chain as its fabric.  A close-fitting evening gown that has some
coverage (ie, past knee length, not low-cut top).

Anytime I try to look up chain dresses, I just end up finding
lingerie.  And I can't find this mesh chain fabric at any fabric
stores.  Please help!

Thanks.

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Clarification of Question by healthyfarm-ga on 21 Jun 2006 23:47 PDT

to clarify, for the evening gown, it must be available in size extra small/small.

I think what you are looking for is a dress made with "ELKA metal mesh".
Versace once had a dress (1979) in the material, but on another site I
read about someone wearing a metal mesh dress that started to fall
apart when she got in the limousine.

Hello,
Thanks for the advice.
In the past few years, I've seen halter tops at various stores using
this metal mesh, but I haven't seen any somewhat-modest dresses.

By the way, this material is also used extensively in jewelery.  I've
seen various necklaces and earrings with the elka metal mesh.  This
fabric is surely available SOMEWHERE online for purchase... I mean
where are the manufacturers getting the material from?

If you haven't found what you're looking for, try http://www.whitinganddavis.com/
It's been more than a decade since I bought from them, but it's the
metal mesh fabric shown on your purse.  At the time I bought some from
them, it was outrageously expensive; about $300-$400 per yard!  Yikes!

Good luck, and if you find any other places that sell what you're
looking for, please post them here, as this is where I'll look for a
reply.  I'll check back in a few days.  Thanks.

Hi again.  

I just found another site that you may want to check out.  They have
some interesting metal mesh pieces that also include crystals.  Here's
their address:

http://www.ferrara-mesh.com/ready_to_wear.asp