The Margiela belt jacket took over the internet in 2015 with its bold look and helped set the standard for upcycled designer fashion.
I dug into its origin story to find out how this innovative piece came the world.
It all starts with Lucy Orta's in Paris...
Lucy Orta's Influence on Maison Margiela
Lucy Orta, born in 1966, is a British artist who has operated Studio Orta in Paris since 1991.
In 1995, Lucy and Jorge Orta initiated Identity + Refuge, a collaborative workshop held in conjunction with residents of the Salvation Army's "Cité de Refuge," a homeless shelter in Paris.
Utilizing surplus clothing and accessories found in the shelter's storeroom, Lucy Orta repurposed them into new garments.
The workshop culminated in a public fashion show hosted in the thrift store of the Cité de Refuge, involving all staff and residents.
Among the showcased pieces was a skirt crafted from recycled belts.
Maison Martin Margiela introduced an artisanal vest, pants, and jacket crafted from leather belts as part of the men's Fall/Winter 2006 Collection, likely influenced by Orta's work.
Celebrities Wearing the Belt Jacket
The quirky jacket became a hit amongst rappers and athletes in the USA.
American football player DeAndre Hopkins donned the vest before an NFL game between the Texans and Cowboys in 2014. Hopkins is know for his obscure style.
[2-image-carousel]
In 2012, Margiela collaborated with H&M to release a collection inspired by Margiela's previous works, featuring a reedition of the artisanal leather jacket. Music artist Young Thug also wore this jacket in the video "Throw Sum Mo".