
The story behind the MULTI-BELT JACKET
I designed the MULTI-BELT JACKET in April 2024 with the idea of creating a statement piece that is powerful, original and truly represents the identity of RIO LEONE. From the very first sketch, I knew it had to be bold and something people would remember. I wanted it to be visually striking but still simple and wearable. The belts can even be removed to give the jacket a cleaner, minimalist look. Every detail was thought out to make the piece strong without overloading it.
After sharing it on social media, the reaction was incredible and it gave me the push to make a small series. I worked closely with a local workshop in Liège, sourcing fabrics from the Netherlands for the jacket and lining, choosing every accessory from buckles and eyelets to snaps and custom labels, and collaborating with a pattern maker to perfect the model and sizing. It was a true team effort, but I was involved in every step, making sure each piece reflected my vision.
This jacket is a fully local production, handcrafted with precision, and each piece is packaged by hand with some elements of the packaging also handmade, so it reaches the customer with the same care and passion that went into its creation.
Thanks to the MULTI-BELT JACKET, I was approached by many well-known stylists and, honestly, at first I was a bit overwhelmed. The teams at GQ France and ELLE Belgium even reached out to feature me in articles, which was amazing and gave me so much energy to push even further.
— Rio Leone