PHUONG & SEB'S BELT CO.

Honor Among Thieves now have a select range of handmade belts from Phuong & Seb’s Belt Co. in store. We had a quick chat to find out some more about their approach to design and where it all began…

How would you describe Phuong & Seb’s Belt Co.?

S: Simplistic handmade quality belts for everyone!

So, just wondering how you came up with the name?

S: We wanted something simple, traditional and to the point hence the use of our (first) names and the word 'Belt'. We added the Co. to be a bit old fashioned.

P: Yeah it needed to be straight up! Like the product. Simple.

You handmake each belt. About how long does it take to make one?

S: It really depends on what we are making, Although we have the process fairly streamlined!

P: Yeah it actually really varies. Sometimes when we get carried away 'researching' it can take awhile.

The 'Standard' in Tan (also available in black and brown)

We really like the Special in Tan. Which style and colour combination is your favourite?

S: I really like the Black Standard. I know this is a cliche, but you can actually wear it with anything!

P: I've personally always had a soft spot for the Tan Standard. It's where we started off and is a bit of a signature colour for us. I made my first ever belt in tan.

 We love your old-fashioned approach to simplicity, do you owe this to any personal design influences?

S: I try to live my whole life fairly simply so I guess, for me, our design aesthetic is based on that. Although we appreciate over the top design, I think sometimes things just need to be simple.

P: Definitely. My life is pretty complicated and my room is hugely messy. Design however, is where I exercise a more considered minimalism.

Do you have a design mantra?

S: Be versatile.

P: To have confidence in restraint.

Seb, you also make jewellery and Phuong, you're a graphic designer. What made you decide to make belts?

S: We simply could not find a plain well made affordable belt in Melbourne, so we thought we would make our own! We studied Graphic Design together at RMIT and after uni were at a bit of a loose end. I can't actually remember conceiving the idea but one day we were making belts for ourselves and our friends and it has snowballed from there.

The 'Special' in Black (also available in tan & brown)

Would you ever do a women's range?

S: All of our belts are unisex and we hand make them to any size. We aim to deliver a well fitted belt to anyone that wants one.

What are your views on offshore production?

S: I think there is definitely a place for offshore production. Some countries just seem to do things better than others. Although I am a sucker for Australian Made.

P: I agree with Seb. It always makes you feel proud to see a 'Made in Australia' label.

What do you love about H.A.T.?

S: I love the sense of quality and understated coolness, it all seems very secretive and mysterious!

Got your eye on anything in the store?

S: I love the women's boucle woolen jumper that droops down at the front.