Archive for the 'Belts' Category
Pulling inspiration from their fine art backgrounds, Seattle area artists Jon and Tracy Haaland of Chemical Wedding strive to bring utility and wearablity to their art.
In 2003 Jon and Tracy teamed up to create a line of unique handcrafted leather handbags. They used new and scrap leathers together with hand-formed copper rings, intricate silk screen designs and their own brand of rustic hand crafted wood handles creating pieces of wearable art that are out of the ordinary. In a short amount of time their handbags have been seen in galleries and boutiques around the world from San Francisco to Hong Kong. Jon and Tracy handcraft each bag to order. The artistic process is what they love.

See the Gallery Five online collection of B.B. Simon’s art to wear leather belts adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Spanning over 20 years in the accessories industry, B.B.Simon’s designs clearly raise the bar of design standards, bringing forth an eclectic, unique collection of belts all adorned with authentic Swarovski crystals.
B.B. Simon is a combination of the classic forms past and present with their distinct style and hand artistry. The designs reflect ingenuity, brilliant color, and variant textures that stimulate the mind, today, tomorrow, and forever.
Some may say Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery and many accessories have been made to resemble our breathtaking designs. Isn’t it time you owned a B.B.Simon!
The radiant light of Swarovski crystal is a mix of style and magnetism.

B.B. Simon Belt
A small collection of belts designed and handmade by prominent and promising artisans in the US using world renowned Swarovski crystals can be found at Gallery Five. The rhythm and intensity of color and illumination are showcased in Swarovski crystals.
In 1956, inspired by nature’s display of colors at the North Pole, the northern lights, the glamorous Aurora Borealis crystal effect was created in association with French designer Christian Dior. This special metallic chemical coatings. “AB,” is one of the most popular coatings, and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. Other coatings include Crystal Transmission, Volcano, Aurum, and Dorado.
Daniel Swarovski (October 24, 1862 – January 23, 1956) was born to a glass cutter in North Bohemia, today a part of the Czech Republic. In 1892 he patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of crystal and revolutionized the process of crystal cutting. In 1895 he founded the company Swarovski and moved to Wattens, Austria. The company’s devotion to excellence of accuracy and detail has made Swarovski crystals the most prized possessions to use and own.
The Swarovski Crystal range includes crystal sculptures and miniatures, jewelry and couture, home decor and chandeliers.

The national economy finally appears to be headed for an upswing, which is good news for every American. Still, many women are finding themselves out of work and in need of a sustainable career. When preparing for a job interview, it’s obviously crucial to be well-versed in the knowledge that’s specific to the job. But one should never overlook personal appearance.
First impressions really do matter. If you walk into a job interview in a frumpy old outfit, your odds of getting the job will suffer. When you look your best, you feel a noticeable air of confidence. Try adding a few artistic flourishes to your ensemble. Look around for some stylish leather belts or decorative scarves. These accessories will serve to set you apart from the field of job candidates, and your interview skills should take care of the rest.

Connie Bates, Fahrenheit New York
Belts are an often overlooked and under appreciated accessory (shoes and bags get all the attention). Yet, a great belt can make you look slimmer, pulled together, accentuate curves, and add bling to an otherwise bland outfit. A thick black belt on a black dress instantly narrows the waist and highlights your curves. A hip belt on top of a tunic will draw the eye down. A skinny belt on a low-slung trouser makes you look polished. But the belt is not just about the silhouette. Think of your belts as pieces of jewelry (or art to wear). Look for unique designs, styles, fabrics, and big buckles. Try out corset belts, hip belts, ethnic styles, red crocodile, green python, zebra print, etc. These are the kinds of belts that you can add to a white dress, a black dress, or jeans and a T-shirt — and in seconds the look is transformed. (excerpted from The One Hundred by Nina Garcia)

