b.b.simon - the name and style may be distantly familiar, but that underscores the legacy Belts By Simon has achieved despite virtually non-existent marketing pushes.
Simon Tavassoli emigrated to Los Angeles from Iran in the 70s, initially as an electrical engineer, but began working in his uncle’s buckle manufacturing business. The business grew to gain attention from customers in Texas and Oklahoma and verified Simon’s status as a western fashion designer. This experience informed the creation of Simon’s own belt business with his wife in 1987.
Simon’s handcrafted belts were singular in the combination of Italian leather with Swarovski crystals.
Since the early 2000s, rappers have been repping the luxury belt brand, and the popularity persists today. The pioneer of crystal-studded belts in hip-hop was none other than the waviest, Max B, who was reputably rare to spot without a Simon belt. Soon after b.b.simon garnered more popularity within hip-hop, Tavassoli began noticing an influx of reproductions at flea markets and swap meets.
b.b.simon has since expanded to producing clothing, homeware, and pet accessories, but belts remain front-and-center.
While the presence of b.b.simon in hip hop is a recent phenomenon, relative to some of the culture’s staple trends, the gaudy studded belts have influenced numerous flashy-belt trends.
In the rap game, every moment is an opportunity to stunt on your peers and flexin’ never goes out of style.