At the PS pop-up running from April 23rd to 25th, you can meet the new brand Awling belts as an event guest.
Awling has been around for a few years, but recently began to stand out when it began selling wholesale in various stores around the world. I first met them at PT last January.
I think it’s fair to say that it took Awling some time to find his own style, too. It started out as a fairly plain and standard design, but evolved into something more unique. This is most evident at the buckle, where the design process begins. The most popular is the Pilsbury (£165). It is a double-sided oval whose ends are twisted to open space for the prongs (below).
“Everything we do now is done in a unique and nuanced context,” says founder Chris Goldstraw. “For example, we are currently developing a new model that is in the nameplate style but handcrafted to give it a more natural feel.”
The buckles and belts are made in England, and the flat straps are made from thick leather and have a very British feel. This is quite different from the more common European style, which consists of two layers of fine leather with a central raised area and sunken stitching along both sides.
Sometimes called ‘lining and brushing’, this style is so common that it doesn’t feel like a style at all. However, British belts are traditionally thicker and more casual. Often used is bridle leather, which, as the name suggests, is originally derived from horse tack and is primarily oily cowhide leather manufactured for strength.
(the same person team hardy Worcestershire is a good example. McGregor & Michael From the person who ordered.)
“When we traveled around the UK looking for manufacturers, we found many small factories making belts like this, often with just one person and one warehouse,” says Chris. “It was difficult to find someone of our scale, but we eventually found a great maker with the help of Adam, who founded the bag brand Cherchbi.”
Cherchby It’s a blast from the past. The last thing we covered in PS was in 2012 – But it looks like it’s still nearby. However, Adam no longer runs the brand.
Using Italian leather, Chris began making wide, plain belts similar to halters. But over time, he transitioned into slimmer, more unusual styles with interesting buckles while still maintaining the cut edges and flat look. lowerers (£175 below), which is a sort of British version of the Western Belt.
“Honestly, finding our aesthetic was the hardest thing, but we’re really happy with where we are now because it gives us a clear focus for the new development,” says Chris.
It was interesting to experiment with styles with my clothes. i got Parisi (£175) I got the pebbled black leather with brass version a few months ago and have been using it regularly ever since.
I wear a European ‘lined and brushed’ style belt with casual outfits most of the time. they Mainly from rubatoIt’s an inch wide and I love how the belt adds a smart look to t-shirts and jeans. Usually when I go more casual braided leather Or western style silver ostrich.
I find the Parwich to be actually more subtle and therefore closer to my style than the Silver Ostrich, and is a good alternative to braided leather or suede. Heavier than calfskin but smarter than most casual belts. The color range also goes well with dressing in a modern tonal mode.
Belts are a difficult category to get into. From multi-brand stores to shoe stores, everyone sells belts and it’s hard to tell the difference without getting too weird.
Awling probably did a good job because of Chris’ level of taste. His day job is still as an architectural photographer, and he has long had a passion for menswear alongside architecture and photography.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve loved well-made clothes,” he says. “I wanted a product that would last for years because it was of good quality and more delicate without having a big logo, for example.
“I think a lot of that is reflected in the belts we’re doing now. We’re aiming for two new buckle designs a year. That way, that idea of subtle style and quality goes into all of those elements.”
Chris will be showcasing his new developments at this year’s pop-up – the aforementioned nameplate and a slim 25mm model. It won’t be on sale until August.
In terms of availability elsewhere, his wholesale customers include: tailor castle In San Francisco, newton james In Kansas City Mr. Manners Taipei and T.W.C. In London. Adam from TWC only has a few styles, but he’s looking to expand on them. The entire range is on. Awling.com.
I look forward to meeting Chris at the pop-up and everyone else there. All details are as in other events. PS event page.
awling.com
For a general guide to belt styles and brands, see: PS Capsule Guide.
