3. 4 A little bit about us
6 Could Elliot Rhodes be right for me?
9 Design vision and ethos
10 Our range of Bespoke Services
10 Corporate Bespoke
12 Individual Bespoke
15 Partial Bespoke
16 Designer Q&A
19 About the founders
21 Contact information
B E S P O K E S E R V I C E S
6. In 2004, when Justin Rhodes – founder of
Elliot Rhodes – opened his first store they all
said he was crazy...A specialist belt shop?
That would never work.
But the ‘Best new retailer of the year’ from 2005 continues to
thrive and Elliot Rhodes has become one of the most successful
independent retailers and brands in the UK.
We now have three central London stores, a joint venture
store in Osaka, Japan and a growing presence in many major
department stores both in the UK and Internationally.
As a true specialist and retail innovator, here at Elliot Rhodes
we have been breaking new ground from day one and
changing existing preconceptions of what a belt is, what it
means and what it can be. With our quirky store design,
unique interchangeable system, on-site custom sizing, one
to one customer consultancy and unsurpassable range we
have succeeded in reinventing a previously ignored, logo
dominated product, establishing ourselves as the pre-eminent
brand in our field.
As our specialist knowledge has grown, so we have started
to gradually broaden our product offer – creating unique
accessory and homeware designs using our signature design
style and extensive range of different leathers.
For Elliot Rhodes variety is the spice of life – bringing colour,
texture and quirky design to often mundane products is where
we differentiate ourselves as a brand, whether that be in a
belt, a buckle or an accessory.
As the brand has grown one thing that has always
remained consistent is our absolute dedication
to service and quality. We continue to design
all of our products in London and work with the
finest craftsmen in Spain and Italy. We use locally
sourced raw materials to produce our belts and
accessories, whilst working both in house and with
small innovative buckle makers around the world to
provide our dizzying array of buckles.
Brand founder Justin Rhodes comments ‘My belief
in specialisation and the lost art of retail is what
drove me to create Elliot Rhodes. I believed that
we could change existing preconceptions of a
product traditionally considered dull and unsexy
and thankfully we seem to be winning the battle.
Through passionate education we are encouraging
people to branch out – amazingly only 50% of
sales now come from Black and Brown belts! In an
extremely competitive environment we have been
fortunate to be doing something really different,
with a focus on quality, individuality and customer
experience that continues to resonate with our
customers. I guess really we are just ‘Old School’
retailers with a modern twist’.
A L I T T L E B I T A B O U T U S . . .
4
7.
8. Our design and manufacturing capabilities
have broad ranging scope that can be
tailored to meet the needs of all sorts of
individuals and businesses.
A few core areas we work in are listed below but this is no
more than a suggestion and we would like to believe that
we can tailor our services to all.
H O S P I TA L I T Y I N D U S T R Y
Whether new menus, placemats or receipt holders for
a restaurant, jewellery trays or cufflink boxes, key fobs,
directories or tissue boxes for a hotel the opportunity for
reinvention is endless.
C O U L D E L L I O T R H O D E S B E R I G H T F O R M E ?
Bespoke restaurant menus with
embossed brand logo
A selection of personalised occasional
trays for a wedding celebration
CORPORATE PRODUCTS
A portfolio for a conference, a business card holder
for a delegate or a range of bespoke wallets, purses
or desk trays for valued staff the opportunity for
bringing style and colour into even the most classic
items is limitless.
EVENTS
A one off event such as a corporate golf day, a
weekend retreat or a wedding celebration gives rise
to a host of leather inspired products – a stylish carry
bag or toiletry case, a leather bound invitation or
table display.
6
9. PROJECTS LARGE AND SMALL
Working with Elliot Rhodes offers you the ability to produce
almost anything in your desired quantity whether that be a
small test run or large volume production. Our craftsmen in
Spain are accustomed to working with differing quantities,
leaving you free to experiment with new product ideas,
control inventory of running lines and if desired frequently
reinvent your products.
As with anything there are always some parameters –
predominantly in the form of raw materials, but from the
outset we will guide
you as to what these
are and this in turn
will give us our
direction and define
our choices.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Coordinating and combining with fabrics, wall finishes
and nuanced paint tones leather remains a timeless
material that can be cleverly inserted into or wrapped
around all sorts of decorative items from picture frames
and trays to elegant cigar boxes. Our access to a
bewildering array of both leather and exotic leather
provides endless design inspiration.
CLUBS,TEAMS & SCHOOLS
A beautifully crafted belt for a club or
society with a logo or motif, a stylish
member’s handbook, or perhaps a
travel folio for all of those overseas
tours. Bespoke accessories can really
help foster team spirit and unity and create
a strong visual connection between all members.
Leather covered desk clips in
plain and exotic leather make
for a stylish desktop
Buckle designed to commemorate the winning
score at a professional golf tournament
A unique buckle designed for a golf team
incorporating team colours and logo
7
10.
11. A his & hers belt and buckle
created as an invitation for a
50th birthday celebration
When we set out to reinvent the way that belts were
designed and sold nobody understood what we were doing
or the length to which our vision extended.
Why? Quite simply because it was different…we were seeing this understated and
undervalued product in a whole new light which nobody else had considered.
Rethinking the norm is how we began our journey and this same vision and insight
is what we aim to bring to our partners and collaborators in order to deliver clever,
surprising, refined, and detail oriented products.
All product design has to have function as its core driver, we must constantly be
aware of the end user, the way a product will actually work and interact with us
in our everyday lives. But incorporating design into this function is where we can
create a more memorable user interaction, where we make the experience of using a
product fun, enjoyable and desirable.
Designing and creating products for people is what excites us – rethinking the norm
is what can make these products, your products, stand out.
The simple addition of colour alone can refresh even the simplest product, subtle
textures can give the ‘touchability’ that users enjoy and clever design details add that
finishing touch that can bring a smile to a user’s face.
Our extensive experience of designing products from scratch, evolving from 2D
line drawings to 3D working models, linked with our access to a dizzying array of
leathers in all sorts of colours, textures and finishes positions us uniquely to bring high
quality leather products to life.
In our daily life we interact with hundreds of different products but how many of these
interactions leave a lasting memory? Ultimately we hope to make even the mundane
something that little bit more special, that little bit more memorable, in the process
enhancing your personal or brand values and identity.
This is something that we always aspire to and we hope that we can make this
aspiration yours as well.
D E S I G N V I S I O N A N D E T H O S
9
12. We are pleased to offer a range of bespoke
services adapted to the needs of individuals,
groups and companies alike. The bespoke
process is a collaborative experience that blends
your vision with our design expertise, attention to
detail and commitment to quality.
CORPORATE BESPOKE
A service for clients needing several
of a uniquely designed belt, buckle or
accessory style
INDIVIDUAL BESPOKE
A service for when one unique belt,
buckle or accessory is all you need.
PARTIAL BESPOKE
A service for clients requiring a non standard size or
looking for an adaptation of an existing style
O U R R A N G E O F
B E S P O K E S E RV I C E S
If you are looking to create something unique to
commemorate a special occasion, attire a group
or team, promote a product or brand or to offer
as a corporate gift.
WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU?
We can work with you to create a bespoke belt and
buckle combination which is a hybrid of a handcrafted
leather or exotic belt with your very own individual
buckle design. We can equally work with you to create
unique accessory, decorative or homeware styles
crafted in the same luxurious materials.
WHY A BESPOKE BELT AND BUCKLE?
It might not be the first thing you think of
but a bespoke belt is a great opportunity to
make a statement. What really sets it apart
is the addition of a bespoke handcrafted
buckle that can act as a cross between
memorabilia, corporate attire or as a brand
and promotional vehicle. Whilst most
importantly belts are practical and stylish
they have the additional benefit of being
extremely distinctive when worn with a
durability that guarantees years of use.
WHAT OTHER PRODUCTS CAN WE CREATE?
We can put our creative minds to designing any
form of accessory, decorative or homeware style that
can be crafted or covered in leather. Whether this
be a personal accessory such as a wallet, card
holder or folio or something more suited to a home
or business such as a picture frame, desk set, even
a piece of furniture.
C O R P O R AT E B E S P O K E
Bespoke buckle to commemorate
a company’s 25th anniversary
10
13. HOW DOES IT WORK?
The process starts with a one to one consultancy
session with one of our designers who will discuss
your needs, ideas, timescale and any budgetary
requirements.
Following this initial meeting we will work to come up
with a selection of sketches, colour swatches, quantity
parameters and prices for you to assess.
Once a design has been specified we will move to
prototyping, submitting visuals, colours and samples
where appropriate. We will ask for your feedback
and approval and make any necessary changes
before moving to production.
WHAT MATERIALS CAN WE USE?
You can use any number of plain, textured or exotic
leathers. We will help you choose based on colour,
utility and design aesthetic. If you are looking for a
bespoke belt buckle and dependent on the specifics
of your design your buckle can be made from a
simple base metal such as Zamak (Zinc/Aluminium/
Copper) or Brass. It can also be made in sterling
silver or gold. We can add colour or create identity
with the addition of Swarovski crystals, semi precious
or precious stones and enamel.
WHAT OTHER DETAILS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED?
We can add logos, messages or initials to the inside of any
product for the ultimate personal touch. These can be plain
embossed, silver/gold embossed or applied in specific
personalized colours.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
In general you should allow 3-4 months from the date of initial
commission to receipt of the final product. This can be quicker
but each project has its own parameters so we will be able to
better guide you after our initial consultation meeting.
PRICE?
We will be able to give you precise pricing information once
we understand your specific needs and quantity requirements
but from experience our clients are often pleasantly surprised
at what can be achieved whilst attaining an exceptionally high
quality item. We are accustomed to working to budgetary
parameters and will always take this into account when
advising you of your various options.
CORPORATEBESPOKE
A document folio in crocodile textured leather offered to
delegates at a technology conference
Specially designed cocktail list in 4 coordinating
colours with contrast interiors
11
14. Whether it be to turn your own personal design vision into reality,
to commemorate a special occasion or achievement or simply just
to show how much you care…
WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU?
We can work with you to create a bespoke belt and buckle combination which
is a hybrid of a handcrafted leather or exotic belt with your very own individual
buckle design. We can equally work with you to create unique accessory,
decorative or homeware styles crafted in the same luxurious materials.
WHY A BESPOKE BELT AND BUCKLE?
If you already love your belts then what could make a more personal and unique
statement than having your own one off design created for you? Alternatively a
bespoke belt is a most individual gift that allows you to incorporate personal or
sentimental details. A bespoke buckle can also commemorate achievements
or reflect hobbies and passions with the addition of dates, numbers and
memorabilia – Bullet Shells, a Hole in One, Nautical themes, Birthstones…It
can also become a true piece of jewellery with the addition of precious or semi
precious stones. Whilst most importantly belts are practical and stylish they have
the additional benefit of being extremely distinctive when worn
with a durability that guarantees years of use.
WHAT OTHER PRODUCTS CAN WE CREATE?
We can put our creative minds to designing any form of
accessory, decorative or homeware style that can be crafted or
covered in leather. Whether this be a personal accessory such
as a wallet, card holder or folio or something more suited to
a home or business such as a picture frame, desk set, even a
piece of furniture.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The process starts with a one to one consultancy session with
one of our designers who will discuss your needs, ideas and
any budgetary requirements.
I N D I V I D U A L B E S P O K E
Bespoke buckle created for a
London nighclub to include in their
VIP membership pack
Commemorative photo albums created
for a wedding photographer
12
15. Following this initial meeting we will work to come
up with a selection of sketches, colour swatches and
prices for you to assess. Once a design has been
specified we will move to prototyping, submitting
visuals, colours and samples where appropriate. We
will ask for your feedback and approval and make
any necessary changes before moving to production.
WHAT MATERIALS CAN WE USE?
Your belt or accessory can be made in any number of plain,
textured or exotic leathers. We will help you choose based
on colour, utility and design aesthetic.
Dependent on the specifics of your design your one off
buckle will be made either from Brass, Sterling silver
or gold. We can add colour or create identity with the
addition of Swarovski crystals, semi-precious or precious
stones and enamel.
WHAT OTHER DETAILS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED?
We can add logos, crests, messages or initials to the inside
of any belt or buckle for the ultimate personal touch. These
can be plain embossed, silver/gold embossed or applied in
specific personalized colours.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
In general you should allow 3-4 months from the date
of initial commission to receipt of the final product. This can
be quicker but each project has its own parameters so we
will be able to better guide you after our initial consultation
meeting.
PRICE?
Bespoke belt pricing starts from £300
Bespoke buckle pricing starts at £450 plus a one off
prototyping fee starting from £500.
Bespoke accessory pricing starts at £250 plus a one off
prototyping fee starting from £400.
We will be able to give you precise pricing information once
we understand your specific needs and quantity requirements.
A funky interpretation of a corporate
logo transformed into a buckle
INDIVIDUALBESPOKE
13
16.
17. When you love one of our existing styles
but need it a little larger or would like it in a
different width, colour or leather…
WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU?
Working with one of our existing belt designs we can
create a belt to your custom size requirement.
WHAT MATERIALS CAN MY BELT BE MADE IN?
Your belt can be made in any currently running Elliot Rhodes
leather.
WHAT CHANGES CAN I MAKE?
You can specify the desired width and length of your belt.
PARTIAL BESPOKE
PARTIALBESPOKE
Bespoke belt storage boxes
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You can register your request by discussing in
store with one of our belt consultants who will fill
in a customer request form.
Your request will then be passed to our design
team who will check on the availability of your
chosen leather.
Your belt consultant will then revert to you by
phone or e-mail to confirm whether we are able to
satisfy your order and at this time will also confirm
the price.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
In general you should allow 2-3 months from the
date of order to receipt of the final product.
PRICE?
Pricing for Custom sized and special request belts
starts from £150.
We will be able to give you precise pricing
information at the time leather availability
is confirmed.
A diverse array of leathers
15
18. How do you describe to people what you
do and your design style?
I tell them that I am a custom belt and buckle designer...
then when they look at me quizzically I explain the whole
Elliot Rhodes concept. My design style is one based around
presenting a palette of different colours, textures and concepts
that can be played with, mixed and matched to create a
style that is individual to each consumer. I do not want to tell
people what to wear, I want them to help them discover their
own individuality and to express this through their belt.
I see no limitation as to where we can take belt and buckle
design – each day brings the opportunity to experiment and
redefine traditional ideas.
What sort of comments do you get about
your designs?
We’re often described as a candy shop for grownups. When
people discover our brand they are usually fascinated by the
fact that we make belts - and only belts. They do love the
quality and the choice and the fact that the designs they’re
wearing are pretty unique. I think above all customers see
that although we may be pushing the envelope we are not
doing so in a forceful manner, but rather in a suggestive
way...gradually taking them on a journey. Everybody has a
limit and it is vital never to make someone uncomfortable with
what they are wearing.
D E S I G N E R Q & A
16
19. What is your background?
I have been involved in fashion and design since graduating from university even though I actually studied Economics - but
as it happens the most useful skills from my studies have always been my languages...nothing is more important than being
able to communicate with suppliers in their own language, it really helps create a stronger relationship. But fashion is pretty
broad and I started at the bottom learning how garments are created, made, sourced and sold...invaluable skills that I have
used every day since creating Elliot Rhodes. I always knew I would move towards the luxury sector as in the end I just love
making things that I feel proud of.
Why did you start doing what you do?
I was a frustrated shopper... the more I was looking for belts the less I could find them. Black, brown, sometimes tan... that’s
it! Belts have always been treated as an afterthought and used as a brand vehicle...nobody has ever paid them due care
and attention. I believed there could be more to it, that this was a product that could be reinvented and glamorised, and
that consumers with the right guidance could start to learn how important a belt could be in creating their own individual
style. I am also very anti brand – not that I do not like brands – but I like brands that produce great products rather than just
sell a logo. I think society has been moving away from this for some time now which is where specialists come to the fore.
Which designers do you rate highly and why?
I would look no further than Giorgio Armani – this is a man who continually creates timeless collections that cross
generational barriers, allowing people to be fashionable but comfortably and unostentatiously so. Philippe Starck also
simply because he has been able to bring beautiful design to formerly dull utilitarian products.
Tell us about your design process from concept, production and to the shelves...
I find inspiration in all sorts of odd places – sometimes it is visual, sometimes tactile, and sometimes verbal. Simply looking
at the world around us whether that be nature, architecture, people, art and taking a grain of an idea and then trying to
understand how this might be interpreted through leather or metalwork. Nothing is more important to me than colour and
knowing when a new colour is relevant is just a gut feeling. I have to take these ideas then source raw materials that can
help interpret them...or sometimes it works backwards and you find a wonderful material that you just have to find a way to
use! Once these two bits of the puzzle are figured out it is down to the practical and technical – getting items produced to
17
20. the correct design and quality standard. Standing in a factory fiddling with samples, watching someone stitch or polish...I
work constantly with my makers to try new techniques. But in the end products have to arrive on time and hopefully on
budget too. The best part of our business is that we work on small quantities. Individuality works with exclusivity and
we want our customers to know that the belt they bought is special and not one of thousands. We work only with small
factories where the craftsmen still create belts and buckles using traditional techniques and make and finish them by hand.
How do you think your brand has developed?
Pretty well thankfully. For the past nine years, we’ve converted people to belts and we’ve elevated the status of the belt
from being an afterthought to being a key to dressing with taste, elegance, style and individuality. I think we’ve proved
that there is a demand for a specialist brand such as ours but most importantly we have shown that through passion,
education and specialisation you can inspire people to look at a product in a whole different light. The fact that many
of our customers ‘collect’ our belts and buckles bears testament to their potential importance. Above all I am proud to be
doing something different and to have taken some very important steps in getting Elliot Rhodes to be considered the pre-
eminent brand in its sector.
What are your main achievements and what do you aim to achieve now?
Past present and future
Well, creating Elliot Rhodes, establishing the brand and changing perceptions are things I am very proud of. Everybody
told me in the beginning I was crazy and no one ever believed a belt brand would survive – even a year! We’ve proved
them wrong and now it is all about seeing how far we can take things...both in terms of retail expansion (I reckon there
is room for about 50 stores around the world) and also in terms of design. If one day we can be recognized as being a
market innovator and the leader in our field then I will be happy.
Why do you think British design stands out?
We are lucky to have a long heritage of design to draw from and to live in a permissive society that allows people to
experiment with their ideas. British design tends to harness the past and reinvent it for the present very effectively, it is not
scared to shock and even though at its extremes it is far from commercial once carefully interpreted good British design
allows consumers to express their sense of individuality and quirkiness.
18
21. Nathan, Jason and Justin have known each other since 1984 when they met at
Marlborough College, a boarding school in the South West of England.
As fortune would have it they were the only children whose parents did not work in the more traditional fields of law,
finance, medicine or real estate. In fact it was rare coincidence that both families had a long history of working in fashion
and design. So a common bond was struck early on and in the intervening years the three of them were first and foremost
best friends with the oft discussed hope that one day they might put their skills together in some form of business venture.
When in 2003 Justin came up with his slightly off the wall concept for Elliot Rhodes - there were but two people who
believed in its potential - and so this was the moment when the chance arose for a joint business venture between the three
friends. The early days saw Justin take the business from concept to reality with the opening of the first two stores, but as
the brand evolved it was clear that now all of their talents would be needed full time to take things to the next stage. With
thankfully complementary skill sets the three friends now combine happily, forming a strong management team that leads by
example, with passion, energy, integrity and nearly always a smile!
Somehow or other the three of them still remain best friends!
ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
19
22.
23. BESPOKE ENQUIRIES
E bespoke@elliotrhodes.com
T + 44 20 7348 7869
PRESS ENQUIRIES
E press@elliotrhodes.com
T + 44 20 7348 7869
Elliot Rhodes Ltd
Suite 12A, Unit 7 Imperial Studios
3 - 11 Imperial Road
London SW6 2AG
United Kingdom
STORES (as February 2015)
79 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London,WC2E 9NG
55 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, London, SW3 4LY
14 Gees Court, St Christopher’s Place, London W1U 1JW
Herbis Plaza, 2-5-25 Umeda, Kita-Ku, Osaka, Japan
www.elliotrhodes.com
www.facebook.com/elliotrhodes.belts
www.twitter.com/ERbelts
HOW TO CONTACT US
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