W. KLEINBERG MOVES INTO MADE-TO-MEASURE BELTS

Sometimes, the best ideas are the most obvious. With a widespread menswear trend to customization, and with belts a fashion accessory more than a commodity, why not offer made-to-measure belts?

Why not indeed, thought William Kleinberg, a highly-respected maker of upscale fashion belts at his artisan workshop in Atlanta. Since a belt comprises a buckle and a strap, why not let the wearer combine the strap of his choice with his buckle of choice?

Bruce Pask, men’s fashion director for Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, and accessories buyer Paul Hong loved the idea so much that they recently installed an impactful presentation featuring three columns of 1-and-3/8 inch straps, seven per column. These straps show well in beautiful colors, patterns, and skins including American alligator, ostrich, camouflage printed calf, cashmere with croc, and more. Retail prices range from $150 to $1,200, some higher.

Says Pask, “W. Kleinberg is our biggest exotic skin resource for belts and we’ll also be featuring them in our ‘Crafted at Goodman’s’ event this weekend where we offer numerous possibilities for custom ordering and personalization.”

Adds Kleinberg, “Could there be a better gift than an alligator belt with a sterling buckle? I don’t think so.”