Rockin the navy & silver Gucci belt procured from my favorite retailer: MR PORTER
Belts don’t get the recognition that other accessories do, at least in the menswear world. Sure they’re there, but they don’t get too zingy beyond black or brown.* Yet, we easily keep one for years.
Oh, and please forget that nonsense about matching your belt and shoes. I never do.
Louis Vuitton Damier Drive brown suede belt
*That is, until you get into more rarified air. Delving beyond a basic color palette, it’s texture and quality of material that creates visual richness and longevity. Like: a suede checkered pattern above.
Now tell me, for those who think fashion is frivolous…why is it that technology is a superior investment, despite it changing so quickly and rendering your $300 iPhone outdated in a matter of months?
LV Damier Graphite belt w/ bright edging
I’ve always loved leather, but for some reason, never spent much time lusting over belts. Wallets seemed more useful, more visible as taste indicators, and I have that area well covered.
I’ve been wearing that new navy belt with everything since I got it, even though it serves no practical purpose because my pants stay up just fine.
In investigating other options (always looking ahead)…I chose a budget around $500, which buys a piece of some of fashion’s best know-how. Something I could keep forever. This truly is the goal.
Despite its lesser ensemble visibility, I am wary of the logo-ed damier canvas belt above. Taken purely on aesthetics, it’s a fun, cheerful belt. But I am not about to give free advertising to the largest luxury goods company in the world.
Bottega Veneta New Red (bright!) intrecciato belt
Bottega Veneta makes some of the most beautiful, logo-free leathergoods in the industry. Their signature is a woven leather, called intrecciato.
I have always liked pops of red, and Bottega Veneta just introduced the ‘new red’ which is more of an orange/coral red than brick red. I love it.
BV also began making accessories out of scolpito leather, which is scored to look like weaving – a trompe l’Å“il. See below.
BV Scolpito carved, polished leather belt
If you’re going to drop half a grand on a belt, it might as well be interesting. Let your boring belts be cheap.
Balenciaga vert de gris wrinkled leather pouch
Of course, I always play against myself and have to consider what else I could buy with the same funds. I’m in full portfolio/clutch mode lately, so a handheld that fits my essentials is in order.
I particularly like the inky dark green of this Balenciaga pouch. Not too loud, but more interesting than black.
So, as the title asks…is it crazy to spend so much on a belt? Even if I’ll wear it steadily over the years, as a statement piece that few others have…?
Leave your feedback, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
