Words: Waheeda Harris

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ving Rhames, Tom Cruise and Maggie Q, Mission Impossible 3, wearing Belstaff.

Hollywood’s knocking down the door at Belstaff, a Brit-Italian clothing company that’s at the top of every stylist’s list. From film to music video, Belstaff is being sported by Hollywood royalty—Tom Cruise (MI3), Tom Hanks (Da Vinci Code), Kevin Spacey (Superman Returns) as well as celebs such as Madonna, Jamie Foxx and Sting. Originally established in 1924 in England, Belstaff has been linked to Hollywood’s illustrious past, with Marlon Brando and James Dean known as early fans of the now iconic motorcycle jacket.

Even with star notoriety, Belstaff’s strength has been its ingenuity in creating new textiles. First creating wax cotton in the 1920s, Belstaff has routinelyimproved textile strength, resiliency and wearability as well as working with 100% natural textiles. This marriage of technology and style has fuelled the popularity of the Belstaff line with anyone seeking an activewear line that can handle the action of daily life, whether in an urban setting or on a motorcycle roaring through the countryside.

Manuele and Michele Malenotti with the Dali Lama, wearing Belstaff.

In 1996, Belstaff’s partnership with Italy’s Clothing Company led to the expansion of the men’s collections, as well as more experimentation with textiles to suit warmer climates. In 2004, celebrating its 80th anniversary, Belstaff was taken over by The Clothing Company. The current design team, led by brothers Manuele and Michele Malenotti, has continued the company’s pursuit of technology and style. “Belstaff is lucky to be noticed by Hollywood. We don’t go looking for them. We have the luxury of them finding us,” says Manuele Malenotti, who along with his brother was recently in Toronto to unveil their Autumn/Winter 2006 /2007 collection at Kamera Bar. “Both men and women’s collections are influenced by the colour black. It’s the colour of the season,” says Manuele.

The key signature item for the A/W ’06/’07 collection is The Cloak. Found in four styles in differing lengths, the cloak is a comfortable, waterproof cotton piece that adds an elegant touch for Fall. “We wanted to regain an aristocratic look for Fall. Belstaff originally made these in the 1930s, and we wanted to reintroduce it to men and women in 2006,” explains Manuele. The women’s line also includes the first line of leather dresses, and the other pieces in the collection are jackets, shirts and trousers, all reflecting a slim silhouette, an emphasis on the waist and cutting-edge fabrics and details.

Belstaff Fashion Show.

Belstaff Fashion Show.

Belstaff Fashion Show.

The men’s collection is a series of slim-fitted coats and jackets, with the classic motorcycle jacket in different fabrics. The Ergonomy Collection, featuring the “power jacket”, is a unique combination of textiles and manufacturing which makes the pieces flexible and strong. Belstaff collaborated with Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the jacket was worn by lead dancer Roberto Bolle in the co-production “The Myth of the Phoenix,” showing off its versatility and mobility to withstand the rigours of professional dance.   

Not forgetting Belstaff’s illustrious history is a goal for the Malenotti design team. One of the men’s parka styles has been in the collection since the 1970s and will remain in the collection, using the latest fabrics. “We’ve updated the wax cotton first used by Belstaff in the 1920s. The newer fabric is lighter and more flexible, but still waterproof and protective.” The Phoenix logo as well as the Brit Union Jack are used on the clothing as Belstaff continues to look to the past for design inspiration and the to future for technology’s influences. The year 2007 will bring another expansion with the creation of a beauty line by Belstaff, starting with a fragrance and then with other skincare items.
For more information, visit www.belstaff.com.