There’s something happening with belts today—whether it’s a return to structured corsets, a move toward timeless leather essentials, or a reclaiming of belts as power pieces rather than simply functional add-ons.
For decades, belts have played a pivotal role in fashion history. There was the studded, grommeted leather punk belt of the ‘70s and ’80s worn by legends like Debbie Harry, Madonna’s iconic “Boy Toy” buckle at the MTV VMAs in 1984, or Carrie Bradshaw effortlessly belting everything from oversized button-downs to winter coats in Sex and the City. Belts have long been more than just a way to hold up pants—they shape, define, and elevate a look.
Today, the belt renaissance is in full swing. It’s not about fleeting trends and it’s far from quiet luxury. It’s about having “Big Belt Energy”—an homage to a woman’s silhouette, accentuated by a belt that speaks volumes about personal style.
At the forefront of this movement? Déhanche.
“The name Déhanche is incredibly personal to me—it encompasses interests that are close to my heart: dance, art, and dressing for the female form,” shares Erin Webb, the founder and creative director of Déhanche.
Webb, a Californian who has lived in Paris for 14 years (she is also cofounder of the outerwear brand Nour Hammour), grew up as a classical dancer, where thin elastic belts were used to ensure proper posture and alignment. “I wanted a name that would pay tribute to the hips—hanches in French—since they are what I find to be the most beautiful part of the female form and also the natural place where a belt rests.”
(“Déhanche” is the French word for the asymmetrical position of the hips in ancient Greek statues.)
Since launching the brand in March 2022, Webb has helped shift the perception of belts, redefining them not as accessories, but as centerpieces—much like a power handbag or a pair of sculptural heels.
Webb identified a clear whitespace in the belt category: “There wasn’t a single brand crafting belts with the same level of care and artistry as handbags or shoes,” she says. “It was a gap so obvious it was almost shocking. I set out to change that.”
Unlike other fashion labels that treat belts as a side offering, Déhanche is built entirely around this singular category.
“It’s about celebrating the belt as an object of design,” Webb explains. “I find most of my inspiration in sculptural objets and in vintage jewelry I’ve discovered at flea markets and auction houses in Paris. Artists like Constantin Brâncuși and Jean Arp inform my designs—their gold, reductive sculptures are turned into wearable hardware.”
Each buckle or piece of hardware is designed in Paris and custom-cast in Italy—they are not sourced from the market.
“I spend months creating and experimenting with hardware molds and renderings until they are perfected,” Webb adds. “We work exclusively with Italian manufacturers who have three generations of savoir-faire.”
So why does the belt matter now more than ever?
The conversation in fashion today is about conscious consumerism—buying fewer, better pieces that elevate and redefine a wardrobe. A well-designed belt can be the wow factor, effortlessly transforming a look without requiring a closet overhaul.
Inspired by and designed with the female gaze in mind, Déhanche rejects the idea of a belt as an afterthought or logo-driven status symbol. Instead, it leans into intentional dressing—a concept that resonates deeply with today’s fashion-conscious consumer.
“Women understand the nuances of how something feels when it sits on the body versus just how it looks,” Webb explains. “There’s an intimacy to dressing for yourself, for your own confidence—it’s not about external validation. Dressing for the female gaze is about reclaiming how women approach style. It centers on her perspective instead of dressing to fit someone else’s idea of what’s appealing.”
Some of the most powerful fashion moments in pop culture have centered around a belt. From Trinity’s sleek utility belt in The Matrix to Wonder Woman’s Golden Belt (blending femininity with warrior energy), belts have always had the ability to convey strength, confidence, and style.
And the message is resonating. Déhanche’s sculptural designs have been embraced by fashion insiders and stylists.
“I consider Déhanche a luxury fashion brand, so I design on the cadence of four seasons a year. We have the permanent collection of bestsellers: The Hollyhock, The Mija, and The Hutch are the quotidien—more everyday—styles. Then we have the architectural styles like The Undone Corset and The Brancusi, which were designed to be more ‘occasion’ pieces.”
Despite belts being historically overlooked in the luxury market, Webb has seen firsthand how the right design can change a person’s relationship with this accessory.
But reshaping the perception of belts has also been one of the biggest challenges for the brand.
“Unlike shoes or handbags, which are seen as daily necessities, belts are often viewed as less essential—more like jewelry, an indulgence rather than a wardrobe staple. This mindset creates hesitation. To overcome this, I’ve approached branding with the same reverence and intentionality as jewelry, handbags, or shoes. Every aspect of Déhanche’s marketing elevates the belt to a pedestal—literally and figuratively.”
By reframing the way belts are perceived, Déhanche has redefined them as an essential piece of wearable art.
“The response has been resounding and it’s so rewarding to hear clients, as well as top editors and buyers tell me, ‘You made me a belt person,’” Webb shares. “It’s a transformation—not just in the wardrobe, but in how women see themselves and approach getting dressed.”
With Vogue calling Déhanche’s first collection “works of art” and the brand now carried at Net-a-Porter, FWRD, Selfridges, Le Bon Marché, Holt Renfrew, and TNT, it’s clear Webb has struck a chord.
Kay Barron, Fashion Director at Net-a-Porter, adds her insight to the belt movement: “At a time when no other brand was so focused on the category, Déhanche entered the market with a fashion-girl take on the unsung wardrobe staple: the belt. Let’s not forget, the belt literally holds our looks together, and it deserves some love and attention. Déhanche belts take this one step further, as their statement hardware detailing adds a jewelry-like finish to outfits.”
Staying true to your ethos is a key piece of advice Webb has for other entrepreneurs looking to build a fashion brand. “Stay fiercely focused on your vision. In fashion, it’s easy to get pulled in a million directions—whether it’s chasing trends, adding new categories, or reacting to industry noise. Know what your brand stands for, what you’re creating, and who it’s for. Let that be your north star. It’s okay to evolve, but stay grounded in your purpose. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds a brand.”
Listening to her gut is also critical. “Follow your instincts,” Webb shares. “Whether it’s a design decision, a partnership, or the timing of a launch, lean into what feels right for you and your business. People will give you advice—and some of it will be great—but at the end of the day, no one knows your brand better than you do.”
For Webb, the work is just beginning.
“Belts will always be the heart of Déhanche—they’re where the journey began, and they hold the unique power that defines the brand,” Webb says. “The next step will be as deliberate and authentic as everything we’ve done so far. We’re here to elevate the belt, challenge perceptions, and show the world just how transformative this often-overlooked piece can be.”
Between Déhanche’s art-infused and irreverent branding, quality craftsmanship, and strong ethos, this will be a cinch.