1017 Alyx 9SM

It is a set of personal references rather than a phrase. The numbers come from the founder's birthday, October 17; ALYX is his daughter's name; and 9SM points to the address of the label's original New York studio. The house is usually written out in full and in capitals, and shortening it to ALYX is common in conversation even though the complete name is what appears on labels and hardware.

It is the metal fastening the label is best known for: a squared, spring-loaded clasp copied from the harness that locks you into a rollercoaster car. You press the release to open it and push the two halves together to close, so it fastens one-handed and holds under tension. It appears on belts first, then on bags, harnesses, jewellery and footwear, usually in a polished silver-tone metal.

Yes. Every piece DIHSAN sells is the brand's own — genuine designer product, with the maker's hardware, stamping and markings intact. Nothing is a reproduction or a licensed imitation.

No. Duties are included on every DIHSAN order, and US orders include taxes as well.

Yes. Eligible 1017 ALYX 9SM pieces can go back within 14 days of the ship date, for store credit rather than cash, and shipping charges are non-refundable. Items discounted 70% or more — plus swimwear, intimates, and limited-release styles at any discount — are final sale.