AW10 Balmain by Christophe Decarnin ‘Bike Chain’ Metal Belt

Christophe Decarnin’s placement at the Balmain label dawned a new era for the stuffy couture Maison. Pivoting from decades of rather tame design, the French artisan would walk in stride with the era’s greatest, pioneering a rocker-chic vision along with those like Hedi Slimane. Criticized for exorbitant pricing, with $6000 denim and $2000 distressed t-shirts, his attitude towards couture standards bathed in tense rebellion. Paving the way through unbreathable silhouettes, Decarnin may have stirred controversy since inception in 2005, but his success was undeniable as a both trend-forecaster and unique creative. However, after a six year tenure, Christophe Decarnin ultimately left Balmain, stating the job’s stress was simply unbearable.

 

Debuting in Christophe Decarnin’s Autumn 2010 collection, this accessory reinterprets a traditional single speed bike chain by converting it into a functional belt. Fastening the metallic hardware to a leather buckle mechanism, the waistband attachment weighs in over 10lbs. In great condition throughout, this piece fits a size 36-40.