Vaincourt x Forbes

The French belt brand has been creating timeless designs since 2011, and is created by local craftspeople in Limousin and Normandy. The fine leathers are sourced from top tanneries in Italy, France and Spain.

Now, the brand has unveiled their Spring/Summer 2025 collection. It was inspired by the neon colors of neon light artist James Turrell, adding bright bursts of pink and orange to their belts. “I don’t like the cold and grey winter season, so to pay a tribute to spring hues, I wanted to invigorate a look,” said Sophie Gachet, Vaincourt’s general manager in Paris. “What better way than with a touch of flashy orange?”

This new collection also features a selection white, beige and light taupe colors, which all go well with summer looks, as well as their belts that nod to the “Parisian Cowboy,” which pairs up well with jeans.

“The design of the buckles is inspired by the Parisian Metro station created by Hector Guimard, a reminder of the Art Nouveau period,” said Gachet.

They also have a selection of new thin belts with a brass buckle for the fans of quiet luxury, as well as a bold corset-style piece to wear across the chest. Their bestseller remains the black, patent belt, La Merveilleuse, which flatters the waistline.

The brand also recently released a vegan belt collaboration with Le Rouge Français, a vegan beauty brand. The collaboration features two striking red, vegan leather belts made from apple residue sourced from France and Italy.

“We always have clients in search of non-animal products, so this alternative vegan canvas uses apple waste, which is solid enough to be worn on a belt,” said Gachet. “The exclusive red color is dynamic, bright and addresses women of character.”

The collaboration, Vaincourt x Le Rouge Français, weaves together the vegan ethos of Elodie Carpentier, founder of Le Rouge Français, with the sustainable approach of Vaincourt. “We share the same values for naturality, local know-hows and transparency,” said Gachet.

Vaincourt puts belts in front and center. They are changing the way we use accessories in our outfits. “We see the belt not only as an accessory, but it can also change or add to any look,” said Gachet.

“Belts are an excellent way to add style to any evergreen wardrobe,” she said. “A great part of my wardrobe is more than 10 years old, and I can make it fresh and cool again many times over, just by changing my belt.”

It ties into the Parisian chic style that many women adore. “It’s something that even Parisian women struggle to define,” said Gachet. “It’s minimalism, audacity, one strong accessory on a subdued look that makes everything sophisticated in the details, but not too bold.”

Their belts are sourced sustainably, locally, and have quality colorways. “Our tanneries have audited their processes to spare water, power, chemicals and we only use gold and silver medal leathers certified by the Leather Working Group,” she said. “France is famous for our working conditions: we can be sure that the people are treated correctly.”

Vaincourt hires craftspeople who work in studios awarded the Living Heritage Company Label, which recognizes the country’s top skilled workers.

“Luxury is about making things diligently, even if not requested by the client,” said Gachet. “This is how you get a general feeling of a craftsmanship piece of art when you touch and wear our belts.”

Article written by Nadja Sayej