WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
From the holy grail pieces that transcend seasons to the wardrobe staples that last a lifetime, we gather here today to worship fashion’s most iconic pieces. Or, as the youth like to say, the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time).
First up, we pay homage to the Off-White Industrial Belt, so great an accessory that although still relatively new, it has been a must-have piece since its AW16 debut. All hail Virgil Abloh.
The History of the Off-White Industrial Belt
Rewind to just two-and-a-half years ago when Virgil Abloh — much-lauded founder of Off-White and now Creative Director of menswear at Louis Vuitton — debuted the then-unorthodox belt on the AW16 runway at Paris Fashion Week. Taking inspiration from the gritty and often overlooked world of workwear, the Industrial belt would go on to inspire a new wave of interest in waistband accessories.
The Design of the Off White Industrial Belt
Virgil is a pioneer, and the caution tape-style of the Off-White Industrial Belt somehow captures something of our time; it's no wonder that it has become a streetwear essential. The belt — which wouldn’t look out of place on a construction site — is an extra-long length with bulky typeface branding and an adjustable buckle fastening for a guaranteed perfect fit.
But really? The G.O.A.T?
Yes! The Off-White Industrial Belt, often styled in weird and wonderful ways, should be worn like a badge of honour that boldly states “I’m with the movement”. It's the extra detail that accentuates your whole look, working just as well with vintage as more contemporary pieces. Most importantly of all, the Industrial belt shows a true open-mindedness towards style. And considering the ever-shifting nature of modern culture, this small but bold statement makes it one of the greatest.