Squint, and Jonathan Anderson’s Ugg looks like the Southern Californian-based brand’s original chestnut suede and shearling boot. A closer investigation, though, will reveal a similar, shin-hitting profile with flashes of the unexpected: the upper features whipstitched accents that borrow from the penny loafer detailing present across the footwear and the recognisable “loafer” bag released under his namesake label, JW Anderson.
This penny loafer arrangement of laser-cut material and line of Tippex-white stitching has already set apart the designer’s intentionally chunky, dollish footwear from more classic styles on the market – and it’s also brought a unique playfulness to his luxury bag shape. Subtle yet unconventional, the designer’s new boot and slipper Ugg propositions, launching on 15 October, are very much in line with his wider knack for subverting normie staples, epitomised by his creature comfort-focused eponymous offshoot that counts both clothes and homewares in its remit.
The Pimlico store offers a glimpse into this special world he has built: amidst a dress-up-box of ready-to-wear, made with his character following in mind, the bricks-and-mortar is like an eclectic residence, dotted with ceramics, furnishings and garden tools leaning against the walls. These new chestnut, khaki and orange Uggs would look right at home in the space, as evidenced by the campaign, which stars Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) sporting the styles surrounded by furniture and furnishings to “celebrate the beauty and range of everyday ritual”.
JW Anderson’s involvement marks a step into alt territory for Ugg. Based on the classic Ugg boot and the Tasman slipper, both of which became lockdown ride-or-dies for many, the collab versions differ considerably from the commercially-leaning originals. Teens and twenty-somethings make up a portion of the Ugg demographic – they wear theirs imbued with nostalgic Noughties spirit, with low-rise jeans and cropped tops. The partnership will introduce JW to a new generation, who may already consider Ugg boots a staple. It’ll also make a strong case for the everyday comfort of Ugg among Anderson’s following.
JW Anderson X Ugg will launch on 15 October on Ugg.com, Jwanderson.com, at select Ugg and JW Anderson stores and selected retailers worldwide.