Obi Obsession

Handmade Obi Belts

by artist Pamela Frankel Fiedler

All of the handmade Obi Belts that I have designed are contemporary renditions based upon the time-honored Japanese Obi Belt. Historically, Obi Belts were meant to enhance ornate Japanese garments and to define the waistline. Even if the wearer doesn’t have a smaller waist in relation to their bust and hips, the Obi Belts will give the appearance of a “wasp waist.” My Obi Obsession belts can be styled at the waist or hip and are fully reversible to add versatility to your wardrobe.

Each belt is hand sewn and is one-of-a-kind. I design and construct the belts out of vintage and designer fabrics that I have collected for many years. The vintage Indigo cloth from Mali is woven by hand into narrow strips, batik (wax) dyed in Indigo pigment and hand sewn into a larger cloth. The repurposed Indonesian vintage dress was made of hand woven cloth which was dyed with natural pigments. Many of the designer fabrics were purchased in Mood Designer Fabrics as seen in the popular TV series, “Project Runway” on HGTV. 

I invite you to explore my unique creations. If you would like to order a made-just-for-you custom Obi Belt, I would welcome the challenge. You, too can become Obi Obsessed!