A brief history of... Belstaff

Belstaff is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1924 by Eli Belovitch and his son-in-law Harry Grosberg in Longton, Staffordshire, England. The company is known for its high-quality, stylish, and durable outerwear, particularly its leather jackets, which have been worn by a number of high-profile figures throughout its history. The brand was featured in the classic 2009 Quentin Tarantino action film, Inglourious Basterds, when worn by the main character, Lt Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt).

Eli Belovitch and Harry Grosberg started the company as a small workshop producing waterproof jackets for motorcyclists. The company's first product was a coat made from waxed cotton, which was designed to be worn over a suit and was intended to protect the wearer from the elements while riding a motorcycle.

In the 1930s, Belstaff introduced its first leather jackets, which quickly became popular among motorcyclists and aviators. The company's leather jackets were known for their superior quality and durability, and were worn by a number of famous pilots, including Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia.

In the 1950s, Belstaff introduced its iconic Trialmaster jacket, which was designed to be worn by motorcycle trial riders. The Trialmaster was made from waxed cotton and featured a number of practical features, including reinforced elbows, a high collar, and a belted waist. It quickly gained a reputation as the ultimate motorcycle jacket and became a staple of the Belstaff brand.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Belstaff jackets became popular among a wider audience, thanks in part to the endorsement of high-profile figures such as Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando, who were both known for their love of motorcycles. The company also began to expand internationally, opening stores in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Today, Belstaff is a global luxury fashion brand, known for its high-quality, stylish, and durable outerwear. In addition to its signature leather and waxed cotton jackets, the company now produces a wide range of clothing and accessories for men and women, including knitwear, shirts, and bags. The company is also associated with footballing superstar, David Beckham.

Despite its global reach, Belstaff remains deeply rooted in its English heritage, with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities still based in Longton, Staffordshire. The company's commitment to producing high-quality, durable clothing that is built to last has made it a beloved and trusted brand around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. So, this is the brief history of Belstaff.