Gucci Belts

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Gucci slept through most of the ‘80s. It wasn’t until the '90s rolled around that a young designer named Tom Ford was brought on board to get things under control -- and he did. The Gucci name has since become one of the most recognizable in the industry and currently reigns as the best-selling Italian fashion brand in the world.

Now, the time has finally come for Gucci to make up for its lost decade. The fashion house has decided to relive the glory days of biker jackets, leopard prints and seriously shrunken pants over 20 years later. It’s just in time for fall fashion's revival of everything ‘80s, and right at the heart of this resurrection are Gucci’s belts.

UNIQUENESS

At 3.5 inches wide, the trapezoid buckle belt is more like a full-on cummerbund. And while the geometry is appropriate for channeling the essence of the decade that inspired it, the belt is more likely to get you a few ugly stares and the occasional, “that’s interesting…”

Gucci belts also made an equally hefty friend out of elastic nylon, which has an uncomfortably close resemblance to a seat belt. At the other extreme is an anorexic-thin patent leather number that weighs in at a super-slim 0.8 inches complete with what Gucci calls a “prism” buckle made from Plexiglas.

But not all hope is lost. There are novelty Gucci belts and sensible basics in the collection that push the envelope without obliterating taste. The classic interlocking G buckle comes on belts in several variations from black and gunmetal to blue and red. More embellished varieties have crests on the buckle that, in the best way possible, seem as though they were ripped off a shoulder-padded men's blazer from 1985. Finally, for the most conservative among us, there are blacks and browns with subtly embossed renditions of the interlocking G design -- a fundamental piece for any man’s wardrobe.

DURABILITY

When you invest in quality leather goods like a belt to the tune of $300, it better last. Fortunately, with a discerning eye for your lifestyle, Gucci can infuse luxury and longevity into the infinitely boring assortment of belts you likely already have on hand.

A color choice like blue or red can add boldness and stand the test of time if worn the right way. The key to success: Let the Gucci belt stand on its own while everything else plays second fiddle. Trousers or dark denim with a crisp white shirt work best.

But for men who want something a little more foundational to upgrade their pile of clearance Kenneth Cole belts, the basic blacks and browns of the collection are simple enough to wear with anything, but adorned with just the right amount of Gucci glitz to let everyone know you make enough Gs to afford the Gs.

Tassels: the return of luxury trimmings

The tassel. What we may think of now as a humble little decoration turns out to be steeped in history and implication. Can you imagine spending days, weeks, months creating a single tassel? Once an artform, the tassel and its connotation of luxury returns as the adornment du jour, a 2011 fashion trend that offshoots from the military and historical influences of seasons past.

If you think of tassels only as a furniture trimming, think again. Tassels originated thousands of years ago and throughout their history were used as symbols of status: both military rank, and religious order. In 16th and 17th century France passementerie, the art of tassel making, was a booming one, with ornate handmade tassels representing wealth and power: no palace interior was complete without silk tassels dripping from its rich brocade curtains and velvet cushions. But once the 20th century rolled around and moderation became the new aesthetic, the days of ostentatious trimmings faded sadly away.
Now, in a time of global instability and flux, we return to luxury. But as we see it, luxury as craftsmanship. It may be in the minimal yet beautifully crafted aesthetic that's prominent right now, or it may be in a little ornament, the tassel, that carries connotations of opulence - but that sits well and truly on the opposite side of glitzy. So when it comes to investing in pieces with tassel detailing, quality is key: a well-made tassel, be it silk or leather, carries that sense of luxury and authenticity.

The tassel in 2011

While it's been a constant to see the odd, small tassel on leather accessories like handbags and purses, we're now seeing them prominently - oversized, extra long, brightly coloured or made to stand out in some way. And it's no longer just handbags:  they're on everything from shoes to dresses to belts and hats.