Long before the zipper entered our lives, there was a revolutionary clasp known as the buckle. Since its introduction during Bronze Age-era Asia, the underappreciated embellishment has seen its fair share of revamps and adjustments. From rhinestone-studded belt buckles à la Baby Phat circa 2003 to Versace's various Medusa head embellishments, the buckle has proven itself to be a necessary fashion closure that can stand the test of trends and time.
This season, designers decided to buckle up and add both statement-making and understated buckle details to some of Fall/Winter 2014's strongest pieces. Japanese brand Toga Pulla, for instance, strapped in with the Embossed Leather Boots, which feature not one but four buckle straps with ornate metal details.
Furthermore, Tokyo-based punk label Blackmeans redefined its DIY approach with Leather Pants, featuring gold-tinted metal buckles and adjustable loops on the thighs to allow for a so-tight-you-won't-bend look. And in perhaps the most useful and convenient example of buckles done right, the Mismo M/S Express bag closes with a single, simple brass clasp. If only your seatbelts looked this good...
Click through the slideshow above for the best buckles for your buck.
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Yulia Kondranina Striped Eyelet Dress in black/white ![]()
Toga Pulla Kiltie Velvet Buckle Boots in navy/black ![]()
Anthony Vaccarelli x Versus Lion Medallion Wide Belt in black ![]()
Mismo M/S Express in pine green/dark brown ![]()
Blackmeans Zipped Leather Pants in black ![]()
Acne Studios Allea Buckle Boots in black ![]()
Proenza Schouler
This season, designers decided to buckle up and add both statement-making and understated buckle details to some of Fall/Winter 2014's strongest pieces. Japanese brand Toga Pulla, for instance, strapped in with the Embossed Leather Boots, which feature not one but four buckle straps with ornate metal details.
Furthermore, Tokyo-based punk label Blackmeans redefined its DIY approach with Leather Pants, featuring gold-tinted metal buckles and adjustable loops on the thighs to allow for a so-tight-you-won't-bend look. And in perhaps the most useful and convenient example of buckles done right, the Mismo M/S Express bag closes with a single, simple brass clasp. If only your seatbelts looked this good...
Click through the slideshow above for the best buckles for your buck.
Yulia Kondranina Striped Eyelet Dress in black/white 
Toga Pulla Kiltie Velvet Buckle Boots in navy/black 
Anthony Vaccarelli x Versus Lion Medallion Wide Belt in black 
Mismo M/S Express in pine green/dark brown 
Blackmeans Zipped Leather Pants in black 
Acne Studios Allea Buckle Boots in black 
Proenza Schouler