

The Rise of Belt Bags

The fanny pack is getting a re-brand.
Diego Zuko

Chalk it up to a branding issue. When you have the word "fanny" in your name and are favored by "tourists," chic isn't usually the word associated with you. The fanny pack has a new moniker though—and a drastically improved rep. The newly coined "waist bag" or "belt bag" is gaining favor—and the appreciation is nearly devoid of irony.

It's not the norm in an industry that fell hard for wedge sneakers, but every now and then fashion celebrates pure utility. Evangelie Smyrniotaki was photographed wearing a Louis Vuitton belt bag in July during the Haute Couture shows. Regardless of the integral high fashion connotations of that much-lauded logo, her support of the silhouette is rather pragmatic. "It's super convenient and so stylish," the blogger explains, "It lends a military feel to your look—not to mention that your hands can find some much-needed freedom." It's not all about function over form though, "I love the fact that it's super slim around the waist, plus the Vuitton's deep brown shade is genius—it matches almost anything."

Ironic fashion, the sort originated from that particular Brooklyn mentality, may have played a small role in the original proliferation of the fanny pack at the meeting place for hipsters from the boroughs and beyond—the music festival. The modern equivalent of the "Roman Forum" for today's youth culture—Coachella, Glastonbury, Governor's Ball and more, is where trends are inspired, attempted, tested and photographed. Belt-bag supporter and designer Erin Dana's starting place for her eponymous brand was on the circuit. "It really all started with my love for festivals and live music," the designer explains, "It was during a point in my life where I was going to a lot of shows and was getting so frustrated with my bag, putting it down, looking for it later, hanging it on my shoulder… When I started the company I thought, 'one of the things I have to make is a new age fanny pack, because I need one myself.'"

For her own brand, Dana slimmed the design and added a chain waist belt and multiple removable pouches so that it can be worn four different ways. I recently wore a snakeskin embossed version ($209, erindana.com) to London Fashion Week over a pink J.W. Anderson pleated skirt. I liked the color combination and it was a convenient place to store my phone. Before I was able to secure a car for the day though, I needed to embrace a double-bag situation—one for the waist, one for the shoulder (fashion shows require a lot of oversized tickets). The belt bag certainly forces a girl to be edited.

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New iterations, like those from Dana, Alexander Wang, Gucci, Clare Vivier and Chanel (as seen on Sarah Jessica Parker) are a bit slimmer, more petite, less obtrusive—but as with many past trends that find their way to the present, sometimes the original is just the trick. BAZAAR senior accessories editor Amanda Weiner is going to shop her archives before investing in any new versions, like Marni's gem-encrusted take. "I have a Gucci belt bag that I've had for about 15 years. I haven't worn it in a bit, but I'm excited to bring it back out again," she says. Linda Tol, the oft-photographed blonde with a bowl cut wore an old school red leather Chanel waist-bag (or is it a fanny pack?) recently at New York Fashion Week—with '90s inspired jeans and a cropped top in a nod to the bag's original era.

Whether you opt for new or vintage, the belt-bag's tenure is only just beginning. "When we started making them a year and a half ago, we weren't sure how they were going to be received, as fanny packs weren't a huge seller at the time," Dana says, "but now we can't seem to keep them in stock." But before making any major investments, take heed—the waist accoutrement won't likely replace your daily tote. "Belt bags are ideal for when I'm traveling, at a concert, or somewhere that I really want to be hands free," Weiner says, "I consider it situational dressing."


From left: Alexander Wang leather belt bag, $495, net-a-porter.com; Clare V belt bag, $195, net-a-porter.com; Gucci bag, $625, gucci.com.

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