For the past few weeks I have been quietly working on a tribal fusion bellydance belt. It's been a labour of love from the start. I was lucky enough to discover a stunning piece of Art Nouveau fabric from what must have been a heartbreakingly beautiful dress. The fragment from the past formed the idea in my head for a deluxe piece of tribal fusion art.
It takes time, patience and a fair bit of disposable cash to find treasures to adorn a deluxe belt. I was lucky enough to have been given some Victorian gold metal bullion braid by my mother. It has the most exquisite metal thread work and sequins hand embroidered onto purple velvet. My mother was initially horrified I'd cut a piece for the belt! thankfully now she's seen the finished piece she loves it, phew!
The belt has a true feel of Orientalism about it and a touch of Egyptian Revival. The colours are based on black with blues, purples and various shades of gold weaved through the design. Many of the sequins are iridescent which creates fabulous movement. Several vintage and antique buttons in glass and brass have been dotted around the piece to further catch the light. Art Deco jewels are centred at the back. Vintage Japan glass chain forms a fringe along with beaded tassels.
It's a treasure trove of historical delights waiting to adorn a belly dancer wanting to be transported back to a bygone age.
