photo by Emma Obradovich
Campus Times
March 4, 2005
“Oz with a Silent G” is the slogan at Nganjo footwear in Australia, where Uggs originated. Genuine Uggs cost $150. They came to the United States and have since been copied and sold in virtually every retail store. Chantel Chan, left, is wearing Uggs from Delias, a popular mail order retailer. Lynea Loeffler, right, enjoys her knock-off Uggs from Costco.
While many styles in fashion come and go, the Ugg boot is still one of the biggest trends this year.
“Some of the latest trends, like low cut jeans and pointed stilettos, are slipping away but Ugg boots are still a must have worldwide,” said Karen Camacho, representative for Fred Segal.
The popular boot was first discovered by Australian surfers, who called the boots “ugly boots” because they are so caveman like. Later the name was shortened to Ugg.
The Ugg boot was created in 1978, by Australian Brian Smith, who later went to New York in search for a customer for the trendy boot, but found no markets until he introduced them to surfers in California.
“I don’t know if they are in fashion,” said Aaron Garret, “but I don’t care, because when its rainy and cold they are the first shoes I look for in the morning, even if they have a couple of holes and are really old. I think the more thrashed and grungy, the more stylish they look any way.”
Many people become addicted to them and usually will want to buy more pairs because they are so comfortable and so versatile.
“I think more people are buying them because they can add their own style to them,” senior Jasmin Carillo said. “I got made fun of when I walked around in them, but I accessorized them to fit me.”
Ugg boots have become so fashionable that local retailers like Target and Shoe Pavilion are selling cheap knock-offs of the boot that are very affordable. And even though the famous Uggs $110 starting price remains the same, knock-offs start at a little under $30.
“During the holidays we could not keep the boots in stock unless you were a size 6 or 10 and we have had to apologize numerous times for delay on getting back to customers,” said Lisa Aubrey, assistant manager for Clobber Leather, a major Australian Uggs retailer.
The difference between purchasing the real deal compared to the cheap knock-offs is that they are made with polyester, while a pair of Uggs are 100 percent sheepskin.
“I don’t see a huge difference in the Uggs verses the knock-offs,” Carillo said. “They are both comfortable. The only difference is the price and who is wearing them.”
Another reason Uggs are so popular is that their PR machine has worked on marketing the boots to top celebrities who sport the fashionable footwear. Now they are seen everywhere, making the trend even trendier.
“Ugg is coming out with more new colors and styles like the Ugg Fluff Momma boot which is covered with fur, but I don’t advise anyone to wear these in 80 degree weather,” Camacho said.
Everywhere you look you are bound to see another version of the Ugg.
Jennifer Kitzmann can be reached at jlynnjen88@msn.com.