About - Bill Adler

In 1981, Bill Adler was the first American designer to handcraft belts using vintage leather and metal ornaments. The leather is drum-dyed, tumbled, and distressed. The metal is hammered and antiqued – always by hand – so every belt has unique characteristics.

Fall 2004 - Adler launches self-titled Bill Adler brand to create innovative denim-oriented belts for influential US retailers.

Spring 2004 – Nike Inc. awards Adler licenses for Nike Golf and Tiger Woods leather accessories. Adler selected to make belts for Jordan, Nike White Label, Nike SB, and LeBron James brands, as well as special projects for the US World Cup and Olympic teams. Adler founds Spirit Leatherworks LLC to handle sourcing and manufacturing.

2001 – Humphrey’s Inc. is sold, Adler starts Bill Adler Design Inc. Designs belts for Nautica, DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Marc Ecko.

1995 – Humphrey’s Inc. hires Adler as Senior VP of Merchandising; launches Bill Adler Studio to add contemporary fashion to Levi’s and Dockers traditional belt lines. Adler adds Columbia, Dickie’s, and Joseph Abboud brands; increases annual revenue from $45 million to $58 million.

1992 – Brighton Collectibles purchases Billy Belts and hires Adler as Creative Director. Annual revenue increase to $12 million during Adler’s two-year tenure.

1982 – Adler founds Billy Belts; emerges as a leading fashion-belt brand with annual revenue reaching $9 million.

1981 – Bill Adler leaves Hollywood film industry amidst Screen Actors strike; begins designing and selling belts in Santa Monica.