admin What it is:
The belt bag as a concept has many origin stories. Also known as a ‘fanny
pack’, the piece’s first appearance, however, is typically considered to
have been about 5,000 years ago and was discovered on the body of a
mummified Ötzi. Fast forward to the 80s and, following a string of various
uses, it finally became a commercialised product, offering users
functionality and, only sometimes, style. It wasn’t until the mid-90s when
the look finally became a fashion hit in its own right, bolstered by Karl
Lagerfeld, who created his own take on the bag for Chanel.
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Why you’ll want it:
The belt bag is a continuation of the outerwear trend, which has seen
rising demand post-pandemic as consumers look to stretch their legs and
experience the great outdoors. This has naturally had a knock on effect in
fashion itself, seeing the fanny pack seep into the luxury category through
more refined, elevated iterations for the trend-led consumer who is looking
for a stylish yet functional bag type. And its two-way use certainly
delivers on these demands, providing an adaptive wardrobe addition that now
comes in a wider span of materials, patterns and shapes.
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Where we’ve seen it:
As the leather and accessories categories continue to bolster fashion
houses’ financials, it is clear that belt bags are among the pieces that
designers are banking on to cater to this demand. The likes of Givenchy and
Dion Lee adopted the look with multi-layered pockets and zip-up sections,
bulking out bags that spanned the wearer’s entire waistline. At Rains and
Proenza Schouler, however, styles were more subtle, with minimalist bags
attached to a pared down belt. While Craig Green offered up
multi-functional, cross-body bags that could also act as belts, Fendi took
this concept to the next level. Its wide-set interpretation came in the
form of an upscale crafting belt, with hooks and holders for all manners of
tools.
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How to style it:
To bring the belt bag into a more fashion-forward arena, pair a leather
iteration of the piece with tailored trousers, adding to the waist and
therefore utilising both of the bag’s functions. This can be tied together
with a loose-fit, short-sleeved shirt and sleek leather shoes for an outfit
that can work well both formally and in a more casual setting. If the belt
bag comes in a playful print or experimental materials, add it to a
streetwear-inspired look, pairing with cargo pants or wide-legged trousers
and a printed hoodie or t-shirt, alongside a set of sneakers.
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Functionality would seemingly take the reins when it comes to the belt bag,
however with its increased adoption in designer collections, it is clear
that this two-use accessory no longer falls into simply the outerwear
category. Despite the sometimes avant garde upgrades, however, the look has
sustained its useful purpose and therefore continues to appeal to the
masses.
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