Precious Metals

Belts fail to offend even the most dogmatic minimalist, perhaps because they pretend to be functional. In fact, a belt’s primary duty is looking terrific. Better than leather right now are metals made precious by clever styling. Languid silver mesh belts have the look (and the price tag) of heirloom jewelry. A tougher breed of metallic mesh smacks of military issue. Humble ropes have been dipped in bronze, silver and graphite, then shaped into sinuous cords that will sparkle against white linen or slink beneath bellies covered in khaki silk hip huggers. Forget the matching bracelet. These gems stand alone.