HOLLYWOOD TRADING COMPANY










In America during the 1950’s, in the innocent days of a naïve rebellious youth, sock hops and drive-ins, the phrase “polishing your belt buckle”, could also intend slow dancing very closely. It brings to mind the uniquely American image of a rodeo rider slow dancing with a honky-tonk beauty queen as the dust settles on the barn floor after a vivacious 2 step.
Part history lesson and part reclamation project, the Hollywood Trading Company was born in the mid 90’s from Zip Stevenson’s enthusiasm for hunting down hand made leather American vintage belts. Stevenson thought the exceptional execution of these handcrafted items to be considered one of the classic symbols of American vintage. Every piece that he found represented a precise moment of history. He soon won over retailers across America with his treasures. With such a demand, and as the original vintage belts were becoming harder and harder to find, Stevenson developed a new collection in 1999, based on the most beautiful pieces of his years of research. Once again his entirely hand made production was not enough to fulfill the public’s demand of this unique product. It wasn’t until the fall of 2000 that Stevenson founded the Hollywood Trading Company, which has now become the most sought-after brand for Californian “vintage” leather accessories around the world.
 
HTC
 

Since the 70’s LCB has been the leading company in production of high quality leather accessories, and in 2004 began collaboration with Zip Stevenson, acquiring the license for the production of HTC and taking over the distribution for the European market. Andrea Brá, founder of the operation, was the first to believe in the potential of the brand, distributing it in the best points of sale and various showrooms, strategically positioning HTC in Europe’s capital cities. Among the belts styles are the 10,000 Studs model, a completely studded belt with round flat rivets; Classic Snake, characterized by special snake overlays, original studs, and colorful glass stones; Classic Manta and Classic Ostrich; the best-selling Pyramids model, with punk rock inspired pyramid shaped studs; and finally David, named after David Beckham because it is his favorite style with western decorations and brass rings. The range of the collection may have started out with belts but has now evolved into bags and wallets made with antique details and only the best leather hides; and even jeans and tops, and can be found in some of the world’s finest shops and on a variety of international celebrities. 

www.htclosangeles.com

txt Megan Huntz
Ph Roberto Vacis