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ON OUR MIND
A belt becoming the investment purchase of the year wasn’t something we anticipated, but here we are.
Khaite’s Benny Belt has quietly become a permanent fixture in the wardrobes of fashion’s best dressed - from your favourite Instagram girls to celebrity stylists, and industry insider professionals. The chances are you’ve seen and noticed the belt, effortlessly sophisticated with polished silver studs and most commonly paired with vintage Levi’s, oversized tailoring and a minimal tee which allows the accessory to be front and centre.
Cos’s £65 interpretation arrived on the shopping scene shortly after, and the resemblance is difficult to ignore. The question is no longer which one looks better, it’s whether the original really earns its price tag of £510.
The Benny Belt is one of those pieces that perfectly encapsulates Khaite’s design language, and the reason it has everybody swooning. It’s understated, impeccably crafted and instantly recognisable to those in the know.
Made in Italy from smooth calfskin leather, it’s punctuated with polished silver studs and finished with a sleek buckle which feels intentionally discrete. Nothing about it demands attention in an overly-obvious way, yet somehow it always seems to become the focal point of an otherwise simple outfit.
Cos has taken a similar approach. Their take on the belt follows the same clean proportions and silver hardware, is also made in Italy and delivers the same feel at a fraction of the price. It’s truly a great interpretation of the original, but luxury rarely comes down to aesthetic alone.
“Somehow it always seems to become the focal point of an otherwise simple outfit.”
The Hardware | The polished silver discs on the Khaite Benny belt feel deliberate rather than just decorative, balanced with a brushed buckle and weighty metalwork that gives off the same aura to that of quality jewellery.
Every single detail feels considered. For the Cos dupe, the open eyelets create a similar visual appeal but in terms of feel, they’re flatter and undoubtedly lighter than their high luxury Khaite competitor.
The Silhouette | Both belts are surprisingly architectural. The Benny is praised on sitting perfectly flat through most belt loops, curves naturally around the waist and perfectly finishes off any outfit. Cos follows the same proportions, making it surprisingly convincing from a distance. The only giveaway is that it feels slightly stiffer and less fluid when it’s worn. For us, Khaite is the winner of the shape test here.
The Photo Test | Scroll through Instagram quickly, and we’d challenge almost anyone to quickly identify which belt is which. Styled similarly with relaxed denim, a white tank or tee and loafers and both belts deliver the same visual message: understated, expensive-looking and fashion forward.
The difference only really becomes clear when you get close enough to notice the discrepancies in the hardware details. Considering the value, our opinions lead towards the Cos dupe on a purely visual basis.
At almost £500, the Khaite Benny belt sits firmly in investment territory. But does its versatility and promise to become one of the most hard working accessories in your wardrobe make the cost per wear more reasonable?
Here’s how we’re making sense of it - if you’re looking to build a statement wardrobe of pieces you’ll turn to for the next decade then the Benny belt is exactly the sort of accessory worth the investment. A great belt works with any outfit formula - straight-leg denim, simple slip dresses, boxy blazers - there’s very few other accessories that work quite as hard.
If, however, you’re more drawn to the visual appeal of the Benny belt and are less concerned about the craftsmanship and its longevity, the equation changes considerably. Cos’s version will capture the essence of the look for just over 10% of the price, so perhaps you do just want to borrow the aesthetic?
Here’s how we’re making sense of it - if you’re looking to build a statement wardrobe of pieces you’ll turn to for the next decade then the Benny belt is exactly the sort of accessory worth the investment. A great belt works with any outfit formula - straight-leg denim, simple slip dresses, boxy blazers - there’s very few other accessories that work quite as hard.
If, however, you’re more drawn to the visual appeal of the Benny belt and are less concerned about the craftsmanship and its longevity, the equation changes considerably. Cos’s version will capture the essence of the look for just over 10% of the price, so perhaps you do just want to borrow the aesthetic?
Verdict: Our ruling? Dupe. Buy the Khaite if you are genuinely investing in craftsmanship which you’ll appreciate every time you wear it. If you’re after the styling effect rather than the provenance, go with the Cos dupe.
Khaite Benny Belt, £510 - The original, and the reason every studded black leather belt feels so relevant again. If you’re building up your repertoire of reliable pieces, this is an investment you’re unlikely to regret.
Cos Leather Eyelet Belt, £65 - One of the strongest designer-inspired accessories we have seen done well on the high street for a while. It gives off the same vibes while not feeling too obviously dupe-y, and honestly, very few people would even know the difference.
Eyelet belts aren’t going anywhere, we’ve curated a few more below for you to shop (and fall in love with). Trust us, your wardrobe will thank you.
80’s inspired bug-eye glasses - do they really look good, or is it another trend we’re finding ourselves swept up in?
Denim for footwear - done well, a good pair of denim sandals says ‘I know what’s in fashion’, and be the perfect finish to a chic a outfit
Animal prints - zebra, cheetah, leopard - yes please, we’ll take them all.
See you Tuesday.