Chain Belts Are Making A Comeback That Nobody Saw Coming

When you think of chain belts, you may think of Gwen Stefani in her No Doubt days or excellent girl bands like All Saints. Either way, they're a distinctly 90s phenomenon and one that's currently – thanks to fashion's new preoccupation with the decade – firmly back on the radar.

In the early 90s chain belts dominated the catwalk, with every major fashion house including them in their collections. Under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel developed its classic chain belts to become louder, amplifying shapes and even opting for plastic versions. This playful touch stood out among brands like Versace and YSL, as they both championed their signature designs: Versace layering gold and coin detailing, YSL keeping it chic and cinching in waistlines.

SS20 saw most houses still playing it safe, with Burberry and Celine both accessorising looks with a subtle chain belt, designed to create romantic silhouettes. It wasn't just the powerhouses, either – the breakthrough acts were embracing the 90s more than ever. London based designers Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman of FYODOR GOLAN, created chain belts that were tougher and nodded to ‘90’s music scene influences.’ The duo said: ‘We wanted to explore the identifying elements of rock & roll, punk, Neo-romantics, goths, hippie and see how in our modern environment our girl would pick and choose her influences identifying with a range of visual stimulants and create a look that is neither belonging nor an outsider – self expression at its best.’

Fashion week guests were also photographed sporting chain belts across all four fashion capitals. Some wore them over dresses to sit on a drop-down waist, while others wore over simple trousers or jeans, adding a little statement feature to their look.

According to Lyst, searches for chain belts are currently 11% up quarter on quarter. The most wanted style is gold and the most searched-for brands include Chanel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain. There are, however, chain belts for all budgets, so you can embrace the 90s immediately – and be leading the trends come next season.

SHOP: The Best Chain Belts