Brave New Belt - clothing - Brief Article

Interview, Sept, 2000 by Joanna Bober

WAIST NOT, WANT NOT

Forget about the restrictive corset. Now, the emancipated, millennial waist-cincher takes on the guise of a wide belt, emphasizing curves but leaving plenty of breathing room. The skinny, waifish belt of seasons past has given way to a gutsier look. Joop's thick silver disco version has all of the advantages of a corset without any of the constriction, adding a body-conscious element to a long woolen sheath. Fendi attaches a structured, high waistline to a sexy pair of leather jeans, a nod to a woman's self-possessed, powerful sexuality. Costume National's urban obi, secured with a single string over a straight leather coat, creates a cool tension between demure Asian costume and be-your-own-boss streetwear. This season's crop of belts, you'll find, is anything but breath-taking.