Page 379 - MM July2018

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Belts offer fashion forward sales
Buckle
A utilitarian fashion statement.
Sales potential for a variety of retailers. Potential for both classic and trendy style. That’s a lot to ask of a product. Belts fulfill each requisite. They are both wardrobe staples and fun accessories. What do you need to know to get started or branch out into the category?
Less tailored silhouettes call for belted style
Rahleen Bloch, the vice president of Leatherock, an accessories wholesaler, has seen styles come and go as the company has manufactured American- made belts for 35 years. Simply put, belts define an outfit, she says. “It’s a dramatic statement piece that occupies pride of place as a must-have accessory.”
Bloch sees the fashion runways for fall/ winter showcasing fuller silhouettes with looser tailoring. Such outfits call for a belt to contour the shape and bring some
definition. “A belt cinches you in the waist. If you’re wearing baggy clothing, it adds
a dash of flair and accentuates and gives contour whether it’s on your waist or hip,” she says.
Offering an array of options ensures customer satisfaction There are belts for every style, mood and customer so work with a strong variety that will appeal to diverse tastes, Bloch advises. Thin belts worn at the waist and through pants have been a staple for years both as necessity and as an accessory. The key is the material with simple leathers offering minimalist appeal. More recently, the wrap- around belt with the tail hanging down was in and continues to be in demand, as are jean belts, waist cinchers, rope and chain.
Bloch encourages buyers to be more open to options. Be bold. “If you buy something different and new, that gives a customer
a reason to buy something unexpected
from you,” she says. What does
that “different” look like? Big, bold statement-making pieces such as contour, hip-hugging belts made with Swarovski crystals. Consider bringing embellishments back into your merchandise mix. Not convinced yet? Some of the biggest name- brand designers including Gucci and Prada are focusing on statement-making belts with embellishments, Bloch says.
The best part? Belts work on all sizes.
A contour belt has a slimming effect and flatters every body type.
Neutral colors still dominate sales but metallics add that touch of glamor. Leatherock embellishes with crystals of many colors so the outfits can pair with
a more subtle pop of color from the belt. >
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