Ugg Australia Opens First California Based Store in SF

They’re big in LA, New York likes them too. Open up any fashion magazine and you’ll see them gracing the feet of celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow. Nope, we’re not talking Jimmy Choo stilettos, we’re talking Ugg boots, those rather shapeless but very warm sheepskin boots that have taken the fashion world by storm in recent years.

As much as I admire SJP, I didn’t really get the Ugg phenomena. Frankly, I needed a little convincing. So last Thursday I attended the opening of the San Francisco Flagship Ugg Shoe store located downtown at 437 Sutter street. Socialite Joy Venturini Bianchi was there, dressed to the nines and accompanied by her stylish friend, Brenda Zarate. San Francisco realtor, Joel Goodrich was also in attendance, as was Olympic skier, Jonny Moseley, an Ugg devotee and company spokesperson. Sponsored by Vogue magazine and Lotus Vodka, the event attracted Ugg fans of all ages.

Eight-year-old Charlotte Schwartz and her mother, Mireille, were perusing the new kid’s line of Uggs. Charlotte has one pair of light pink Ugg boots and she has chosen a pink and purple combo for her second pair. Stylin’ in skinny jeans and jellies, Charlotte explained to me what’s great about Uggs, “They’re really comfortable and warm, and stylish,” she said.

I ran into Lotus Vodka’s Marketing Manager, Anthony Black, and asked why Lotus chose to hook up with Ugg. “Lotus and Ugg appeal to the same sort of person,” Mr. Black was quick to answer. “Someone who is confident and knows what they want.” He went on to explain that what makes Lotus different from other vodkas is that it’s fortified with vitamins B and C and ginseng. “Lotus is a different kind of product and we’re creating our own niche in the spirit world, just like Ugg is with shoes, so we’re a perfect fit.”

Looking around the new shop, I noticed that the Ugg collection has expanded beyond the classic moon-boot silhouette and now includes boots with heels and wedges, and other shoe designs such as ballerina flats, which FYI, are tres cute! Olympic gold medalist, Jonny Moseley told me he’s been hip to the virtues of Uggs for years, long before celebrities caught on. “It started with surfers in LA back in the 1970s,” explained Mr. Mosley. “Uggs are great to slip into when you’re wet and cold. And what’s really great is it works both ways, keeping you cool when it’s hot."

Well, who can argue with comfort, warmth, and now style? Not I!

Comments

[Pamela]

I did not know about the store. I have to admit that I wear Uggs all winter long.

[eugene]

no more uggs please!!!

[cecilia fuentes]

i want to no for the new style

[nicole]

i want pink classic short uggs size 7!! i cant find them any where!