KOCHI: Way back in the 90s, even the most fashionable of women of Kochi were obliged to plain, normal waist belts, as there wasn’t much of a choice. This was the scenario even till a few years ago. Since then, fashion and trends have seen a sea change in Kochi, where all kind of customers are being catered to. Fashion designer, Shalini James believes belt as an accessory needs to be given more attention. “On certain outfits belts are worn to add pizzazz to a plain dress. It also goes well with a high waist skirt or blouse. Broad belts worn by people who have a slim waist draws a lot of attention from people,” she says.Both men and women have started using belts as a fashionable accessory apart from its universal use of holding up ones jeans or trousers. Now the fashion market offers all kinds of belts whether it be cotton or leather belts, thick or narrow, braided or dangling. They compliment women’s feminine and subtle figures. Priya Nath, a student says, “When one talks of accessories, women only give priority to shoes, jewellery and handbags. Waist belts should also be a part of one’s dressing. They are sexy and heighten the smart quotient. I think trendy waist belts look good on a toned body. Those having a big paunch or big waist or hips won’t be able to carry it well.”“While going shopping, I get attracted to leather belts with buckles, flowers or dazzles. Men too should opt for belts which are stylish, as this is one of the few accessories they have apart from glares and watches.” she adds.For those who have a narrow waist with a broad hip, a thin belt looks better. The latest trend in belts are the layered leather belts with delicate buckles and flower designs. Girls wearing formal white shirts with silver or brown belts around their waist tends to draw more attention.“While selecting a belt, the colour should be in strong contrast to the clothes one is wearing,”says Anitha Mattai, a fashion designing student.In Kochi we see stores with a good collection of colorful buckled belts, belts made form jute and other cotton material in varied styles. Amal PB, a sales executive at Fastrack Showroom says that women come asking for jute belts or other cloth materials which have embroidery work and stones on it. “They prefer belts which have designed buckles in different shades. The fast moving colours at our store are black and blue. Men have their hands on black and browns” she adds.Colour sense differs from person to person. Some find white, green or red to be attractive, while many like the regular shades like black and brown. “Ladies mostly pick leather belts with trendy prints. The colours they are attracted to are mostly white and red,” says Jomon KJ, store-in-charge at Spykar Lifestyle. A salesman at United Colours of Benetton Mithun PS says, “Black and brown waist belts are fast moving for daily wear and customers prefer going in for bright colours like red and green studded with silver for other occasions and parties.” There was a time when thick belts were preferred over thin waist belts. The narrow trendy braided waist belts with tazzles are once again in vogue. Even though there are stores stocking a lot of trendy fashionable belts compared to earlier times, there is still a dearth of great variety. Architha A an IT professional, at Info Park is one who feels so. “The fashion in Kochi hasn’t caught up with cosmopolitan cities. Stores lack corsets, more fashionable stone studded belts with carvings and elegant dainty bows,” says Architha.
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