Fashion Frenzy and Fuzzy

A chain mail handbag has been high on my wish list for ages now—which is why it's bizarre that I only recently thought to track one down on eBay. There's something so appealing about taking cool, masculine metal and applying it to an item that’s as ladylike and elegant as an evening clutch.
Chain mail has a long fashion history. During genteel Victorian days, chain mail handbags were made of real gold or sterling silver. A century later, chain mail spiked in popularity again, and became emblematic of a glitzy, Studio 54 era. And just recently, chain mail made an appearance on several runways: a disco-meets-safari-style tunic at Alessandro Dell'Acqua's Fall 2009 show (at left), and on dresses at the Spring 2010 Versace and Balmain shows, both giving a nod to Versace's sexy, slinky heyday in the early '90s. No matter the cultural reference, I love bags made from this shimmery, liquid metal. Here are ten pieces I'm dying for—which is your favorite?
(Alessandro Dell'Acqua Fall 2009 Fashion Week, Milan by Vittorio Zunino Celotto for Getty Images Entertainment)
Antique Edwardian-Style Mesh Chainmail Handbag (but it now price, $112.55)
Details like delicate silver beadwork and the floral engraved handle distinguish this collectible piece.
Estate Chainmail Signed Mesh Victorian Purse (buy it now price. $100) 
The pattern on this bag mimics that of an old-school needlepoint sampler.
Vintage Mesh Gold Chainmail Bag (buy it now price, $77.99)
Classically feminine, from the dainty chain to the intricately wrought clasp.
“One Night Stand” Chainmail Bag (buy it now price, $29.50)
Glimmering black mesh has a glamorous, 80's vibe.
1920’s French Mesh Chainmail Victorian Purse (starting bid, $9.99)
The elaborate diamond motif hints at this bag's Art Nouveau origins.
Vintage Whiting and Davis Evening Bag (starting bid, $24.99)
A rhinestone closure lends a 50's cocktail party feel.
Vintage Antique Mesh Small Evening Handbag (buy it now price, $89)
The fine, matte metalwork is reminiscent of knight's armor.
Whiting and Davis Small Gold Mesh Evening Bag (buy it now price, $36.99)
Just the right size for lip gloss and a couple of credit cards.
1920's Mandalian Mfg. Co. Metal Enamel Mesh Purse (starting bid, $29.99)
The print has a slightly exotic quality—like it could've been modeled after an antique Oriental rug.
Blue Antique Metal Mesh Purse (starting bid, $11.99)
Shades of cerulean feel so unexpected on metal mesh.
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