Of the global fashion success stories over the last decade, few have such a literal rags to riches story as the Ugg boot.
From their humble beginnings in rural Australia more than 70 years ago, they have crept (or shuffled, to be more accurate) their way around the globe. They’re worn by men and women alike, on high streets and in Hollywood.
They are so popular that not only do they generate more than half a billion dollars a year in legitimate sales but they’re considered to be one of the most common counterfeit items seized by law enforcement agencies in the run-up to Christmas.
Why is it that something as shapeless and apparently style-less as the Ugg boot is so well-liked? How did something used by farmers, pilots and surfers become must-have footwear for movie stars, moguls and the masses?
It is difficult to put one’s finger on the exact reason for their appeal other than possibly being a victory for comfort over couture.
After being adopted by some of London’s so-called ‘Sloane Rangers’, they seem to have been picked up by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo di Caprio before cementing their place in the style bibles – and many people’s shopping lists – when they were seen on the normally high heeled feet of Sarah Jessica Parker of ‘Sex and the City’ fame.
It is interesting to see that the company which owns the rights to the Ugg Australia brand has launched new collections of shoes and boots. However, whilst some of the designs are compact and great boots (especially for gents), Ugg will possible always struggle hard to lose the Ugg-ly tag earned by their original boot.
To my mind, they are overgrown slippers and, as such, should never be worn outside the house or garden by anyone claiming to take an interest in their presentation. Compared to a properly constructed boot or shoe, the ill-formed, slouching Ugg boot rob its owner of any style or grace in the way she (or he) walks.
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