Always a universal accessory, this year the belt bag conquers the catwalks as well. It is undoubtedly a mandatory element in every woman’s wardrobe, just as the street style testifies. What it is, what is the story, and many more interesting things about the belt bag.
Considered obsolete for years, it went from the street style of the ’80s to modern catwalks for a moment. The belt bag is captivating more and more fans and for several years even the most influential fashion houses have included it in their collections.
Originally presented almost entirely as a men’s accessory, today it no longer has any restrictions even in terms of style: the two most popular versions are the sporty, the most classic and made of textile materials, and the more elegant, where the leathers alternate with sparkling details.
The importance of the belt bag goes far beyond simply placing it in the “accessories” category.
It is the embodiment of the true philosophy of life because it is perfectly combined with the minimalist way of life, where the keyword is materiality.
Its capacity is not excessive, which forces the user to always put in it only what is strictly necessary, without carrying unnecessary items with him.
The belt bag and its history
The generation of the ’80s and ’90s will surely remember the role that the belt bag played in both fashion and clothing during this period. Stars, actors, bands, and singers wear this bag in TV interviews, in movies, as well as in music videos, making it an indispensable wardrobe accessory that will always be with you. Comfortable and compact, the belt bag is ideal to hold everything you need.
However, the idea for this bag model originated much earlier. Instead of having pockets in their clothes, the Indians made a bag-type type of healthy buffalo skin, which they placed around their waists. Decades later, the belt bag became part of the Scottish formal attire called “sporran”, a model of the bag that is used as a substitute for kilt pockets.
In the ’80s in America, it was called “Fanny Pack”, while in England they bet on “Bum Bag”, both referring to the position and the way the bag was carried, which originally had only one pocket. In those years, the belt bag established itself among the working class as a very useful accessory in which to store work tools.
Placed on the back to prevent theft, in the late 80’s it began to be worn on the front and it was at this point that the history of the belt bag changed.
The 90s mania for fitness and aerobics is at its peak and here the belt bag gets its first sporting imprint: you wear it to run or go to the gym, combined with the iconic acetate suits in neon and bright colors.
It began to enter a more fashionable perspective thanks to Carrie Bradshaw, who in an episode of “Sex and the City” wore it in combination with gender and crop top, a combination that became a favorite for millions in the ’90s.
Unexpectedly, the credit for his entry into the world of fashion goes to Kim Jones, designer of Louis Vuitton, who in January 2017 offers a version with a logo in collaboration with the Supreme brand, the quintessence of street style and a cult brand for young people.
From that moment on, the sports versions alternate with more minimalist, stylish, and sophisticated ones. To date, the size of the belt bag has decreased to such an extent that it can be worn in the evening.
Kinds
Belt bags are divided into two main categories: on the one hand are the classic sports models, composed mainly of a large zippered pocket on the front and made of soft materials, the others are the elegant and modern proposals of leather, decorated with luxurious and original details such as spikes, sequins or glitter.
Sporty belt bag
The sporty versions of the belt bag are the ones that most faithfully reproduce the trends that marked the decade of the 90s. With one large pocket, they close thanks to a practical zipper. The strap is, as always, adjustable and can be worn both for sports and in combination with sporty-chic outfits, where the suit is the main character.
The more elegant models with details
In 2017, after Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Supreme, the belt bag trend erupted and shows no signs of slowing to this day. Fashion bloggers, influencers, etc. testify to how much this accessory has conquered the fashion world.
Sports versions with reflective details are a thing of the past: in their place appear more sophisticated models, covered with leather and fashion details.
You can combine these more elegant models with trench coats, denim jackets, and coats, with jeans and skirts, even with an evening dress. Anything is possible, as long as you are not afraid to experiment.
Fashion autumn/winter 2020/2021: the belt bag on the catwalks
The new era of the belt bag has written the autumn/winter 2020/2021 season in terms of the accessories you should have, and the catwalks have testified to that. The most famous fashion houses in the world have inspired many brands that have included this accessory in their collections for the season.
Prada combines a classic tobacco suit with a white waist belt bag. Brandon Maxwell, on the other hand, shows an animated version, while Balmain focuses on the brown crocodile print, naturally with a prominent gold buckle.
