Will the cinched-in waist ever leave? Season upon season the waist belt continues to be a leading fashion trend, says Beverly Seymour. A quick glance at the catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 08 demonstrates how the classic hour-glass figure has been around in one form or another forever. Even today, with throwbacks to the 50s and 60s, the trend appears fresh and original. There are so many ways to work this look, but perhaps Louis Vuitton uses it best with the simplicity of a silver clasp belt, adding a world of difference to a little black dress. Other key pieces within his collection are a beige slash neck suit, with jodhpur-style three-quarter length bottoms, completed, of course, with the help of a patent waist belt. Another look that sticks out from the rest is a pastel, fishtail skirt suit with a two tone top and leather knee-high boots, conveying the image of a prim and proper school mistress. The waist belt gave the ensemble some definite attitude and brought each outfit together to form an overall message within the collection. Aquascutum is another company featuring the trend - their innovative tailored coats with pleated fronts screamed out for some sort of order, which came in the shape of a loosely tied belt, all in matching colours. Giambattista Valli went all out with striking hour-glass silhouette. His show offered every aspect you would expect from Coca-Cola bottle shape outfits shoulder-padded blazers and flared-leg trousers, high-heeled courts and wide-brimmed black hats, finished off with thick, chunky waist belts in
co-ordinating colours so as to add length to the torso and create a more flattering figure. The key colours were prominently black, white and red and this added to the ‘back to basics’ concept the designer was trying to convey. Think Audrey Hepburn meets Marilyn Monroe striding out in 80s block colours. Anyone can achieve this look. Pop on a pencil skirt, nipped in blouse or polo neck, a beautiful vintage brooch for a little touch of detail, and the all important belt, but nothing too big. The key to this trend is super-feminine and elegant. Perhaps this is why the waist belt has stuck around for so long, becoming ever more useful time and time again. It can re-invent the most boring of outfits, injecting a fresh lease of life into any drab jacket or plain sack-dress. You become instantly on-trend and show that you’re in touch with what is happening on the fashion scene with minimal effort involved. It is confirmed the waist belt is here to stay (at least until next spring) and anything goes as far as the catwalk trends of 2008 are concerned. So don’t tidy that belt box away just yet!
Photograph Chris Moore
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