“So, as I saunter down the boulevard, my eyes catch a drift towards my gleaming waist, where lies the pièce de resistance of my outfit: the H belt buckle. Ah, the H. The symbol has puzzled civilization, raised debate in high-fashion circles, and even caused a few to scratch their heads in wonder, wondering, ‘What on Earth does the H stand for?’
Now, I must clarify, dear reader, that this is no ordinary H.
This is H: herald of the coming of Haute Couture, harbinger of high society, and dare I say, it hints at humor in a world too dour. But be that as it may, let us sift through the many meanings this enigmatic letter may have. First and foremost among these could be the suggestion that H stands for Hermès, that mythical French fashion house known for its outrageously priced scarves, bags costing as much as a small island, and, of course, the belt in question.
But oh, how that would cheapen all! No, the H is far more than a name brand; it is a symbol, a concept, a way of life.
Could the H be for “Hypnotic”? Without a doubt, there is no way that a person cannot deny its mesmerizing effect on passersby as they try to translate it, only to get lost within the leather labyrinth.
Maybe the “H” does stand for “Hierarchy,” for to wear this belt is to find oneself instantaneously at the pinnacle of the social pyramid, beside pharaohs, emperors, and the odd tech billionaire. What it really says to the in-the-know few is, “Yes, I too have made less-than-great financial decisions in the name of fashion.”
Or perhaps it really stands for “Humility”? Paradoxical, you say? Ah, but how ironic that one could brandish proof of one’s wealth or hers on an accessory so subtly garish that only really enlightened people might be prone to like its understated gaudiness. That is, “Look at me and my outrageously expensive belt; I’m humble.”
And then there is an option that “H” stands for “Heroic”: for, in fact, a real hero must become to survive through this dangerous land, full of fashion blunders and mistakes, with no other protection than a belt and unquenchable belief in style. Not to forget to mention “Hilarious,” for there is some comic relief when people are pondering over a letter which, at the end of the day, is just the eighth character of the alphabet.
The H belt buckle is a very overt nudge to never take life—or rather, fashion, for that matter—too seriously. After all, there is an unrestrained joy in small things, perhaps from something like a beautifully crafted piece of leather holding up your pants. Ultimately, what does the H belt buckle stand for? Hermès, Hypnotic, Hierarchy, Humility, Heroic, Hilarious? The answer is all these and even still, somehow, it doesn’t mean them all. It’s a symbol of the complexity and contradictions inherent in fashion, in humanity, and perhaps, in each of us. So, next time somebody asks you what the H stands for, just tell them that it means whatever they want it to mean. Then, with a twinkle in your eye, go on your way, and let them ponder that nugget of brilliance.”
