Belstaff Collection
Linking the trinity of Heritage, Performance and Luxury | Now Available at BMW Toronto Motorrad
Belstaff has been the leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech, practical and stylish motorcycle apparel for over 80 years, making Belstaff the perfect addition to BMW Toronto Motorrad’s lifestyle collections. Belstaff became the first company in the world to use a fabric that is totally waterproof yet breathable, the now famous “Wax Cotton”. This was a very fine Egyptian cotton treated with natural oils, making it waterproof while leaving the cotton’s excellent breathability characteristics unimpaired. The combination of heritage, quality, and style caught the attention of Hollywood and jackets were expressly commissioned for such films as “War of the Worlds”, “I Am Legend”, “Batman Begins”, “Blade Trinity”, and “The Aviator” (which won an Oscar for best costume design!).
Come in to BMW Toronto Motorrad to see our selection of Belstaff’s unique and high quality motorcycle gear.
Belstaff History:
In, 1924 Harry Grosberg founded Belstaff in Victoria Place, Longton, Stoke-On-Trent in Staffordshire in the English Midlands. The original line consisted of waterproof garments for both men and women.
For the company logo a portrait of a Phoenix rising up was chosen as a symbol of the continuity trhough the times in the good and bad fate.
At this time Belstaff became the first company in the world to use a fabric that is totally waterproof yet breathable, the now famous “Wax Cotton”. This was a very fine Egyptian cotton treated with natural oils, making it waterproof while leaving the cotton’s excellent breathability characteristics unimpaired. With this material, Belstaff specialized in the creation of high technology wear for the protection and comfort of the motorcyclist.
The 1930’s brought more success, as Belstaff specialized in making technical garments wind-proof, rain-proof, and resistant to heavy friction. Therefore they specialized in making garments for Aviators (such as Howard Hughes and Emilia Earhart), Bikers (Laurence of Arabia, Che Guevara, and Sammy Miller), and anyone who lives an active outdoor lifestyle. Together with protective clothing, Belstaff created goggles, gloves, bags, and footwear all designed and evolved over the years to guarantee total protection and safety.
In the 1970’s the famous XL500 Jacket was created using a specially developed nylon textile known as Belflex. Belflex’s qualities of wear-ability, resilience and durability are still unmatched to this day. Put to the test by thousands of motorcyclists throughout the world; it has all the essentials – but nothing superfluous. Protecting the motorcyclist from the elements.
The early 90’s ushered in a new era for Belstaff. The English Textile industry was in a crisis resulting in the closure of the Stoke-On-Trent factory, but thanks to some clients and technicians firm intention to not let the Mythos die, the production went on in a factory in Wellimborough. The responsibility and design were then handed to Francoe Malenotti.
In 1994 the nylon fabric Belfresh was created. This is exceptionally absorbent while allowing perspiration to be eliminated. Belfresh also maintains the standard Belstaff characteristics of breathability, waterproof, and protection from the elements; cementing it’s place in history and being the fabric of choice for Sailors, Motorcyclists, and active outdoorsmen alike.
The new millennium brought new and exciting changes to Belstaff. While celebrating their 80 year heritage in 2004, Belstaff was bought by Italian powerhouse Clothing Company, where production moved from England to now Italy. The combination of heritage, quality, and style caught the attention of Hollywood, and the Belstaff’s start status was born. Jackets were expressly commissioned for such films as “War of the Worlds”, “I Am Legend”, “Batman Begins”,” Blade Trinity”, and “The Aviator” (which won an Oscar for best costume design!).
Today, Belstaff has forged strong partner ships with the world’s leading luxury retailers. Linking the trinity of Heritage, Performance, and Luxury.
