History of Art and Design: Ugg Boots - Report Example

The Ugg Boots and Ugg Boots The original designer of Ugg boots brand had a specific symbolic identity in mind. Different people from various parts of the world have almost similar interpretation of the ugg boots identity. Australia and New Zealand are the most common areas where the ugg boots are produced and used. In these areas, the boots are referred to as a unisex style of sheepskin boot that are meant specifically for ladies. Several companies across Australia and other parts of the world produce ugg boots under the “ugg” trademark since it the word “ugg” is not a protected trademark. The demand for the ugg boots is rapidly increasing because several citizens and fashionists have identified their importance (Fornasier & Jellett, 2014). The ugg boots acts as a sign of various events, time and people when analysed using the methods of mythologies, connotations, relay and linkage. There are various myths that surround the ugg boots. Some people have been opposed to the use of ugg boots because they believe that sheep are skinned alive to remove skin to use as raw material. For example, Animal Rights Movement called for the boycott of ugg boots and asked the manufacturing companies to replace the material materials with alternatives not made from animal skin (Fornasier & Jellett, 2014). The year 2008 saw the Princeton Animal Welfare Society stagng a campus protest against fur industry, where they specifically attacked the ugg boot factories (Fornasier & Jellett, 2014). Companies producing ugg boots have defended themselves against this ridiculous myth by arguing that they only use by-products of sheep processing in manufacturing the boots. Sheep are basically reared for meat production. When the sheep are slaughtered for meat, the skin is removed and does not have any other use except for recycling. Therefore, ugg manufacturers do not harm sheep in search of skin for manufacturing footwear, but they use the skin produced from processing of sheep for human consumption. The second myth concerning the ugg boots is that they are used by low-life bogans. Ugg boots are believed to have been used to describe sheepskin boots. The first pair of ugg boots is said to have been made up of sheepskin structured to form simple structure that was meant to fit the feet. Thus, people believe that they were originally produced for lower class citizens. Some of the people held the belief; even up to present days, some people consider them the commodities for the poor. However, after sometime, the ugg boots were adopted by several citizens in major cities of the world such as the Rockies, Chicago and California. The ugg boots were featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Favourite Things where she declared to love the ugg boots (Fornasier & Jellett, 2014). Other celebrities and fashionits have also adopted the ugg boots since they consider them the stylish. Another myth about the ugg boots is that the boots are ugly; the word ugg stands for “ugly”. This is a combination of mythology and connotation. The first school of thought argues that the term “ugg” originated from the word ugly because the first pair of the original boots were just two pieces of sheepskin stitched together with a soft sole (Koleff, 1991). This implies that the original boots were not exactly pretty. Frank Mortel states that he began manufacturing boots in the late 1950s. He originally produced under Mortels Sheepskin Factory, but changed his company name to “ugg boots” in 1958 after his wife commented that the first pair he made was ugly. The second school of thought mystifies that “ugg” was derived from the term “ugh”. Ugh signifies a groan caused by shock or horror. The definitions of the purposed origins of the terms ugg reveal the reasons for the public hating or loving ugg boots. The ugg boots, however, have undergone continuous improvement over time, leading to production of the most beautiful class of shoes of the time. Most people who purchase ugg boots for the first time are believed to end up being addicted for them forever. This is because the boots perform one essential and basic function of humankind needs, that is, keeping people warm. The ugg boots are believed to have been the symbol of relaxed cultures during the mid 1980s. The ugg brand gained momentum at the coast and among surfer shops and popped to the cities and small towns across all levels of the society. The ugg boots also symbolised people who embraced sporting activities and relaxed, yet active lifestyle (Koleff, 1991). The boots are believed to cause an emotional connection in addition to real feeling of love. Users not only liked wearing the ugg boots, but also fell in love with them and could not easily take them off. Further demand for ugg boots has been driven by cultural shifts that make people to embrace a feeling of empowerment by living a casual lifestyle; the ugg brand provides a symbol of such a lifestyle (Ugg Autralia, 2013). Generally worn for warmth and comfort in Australis, the ugg boots have always maintained their fashion position for a long time. The Deckers ugg boots brand emerged as fashion trend in the United States through the actions of Deckers to promote it as a fashion brand. Deckers achieved the objective of publicising the ugg boots by soliciting endorsements from celebrities. Deckers also did extensive product placing them in television series and films. Surfing also contributed towards popularising of the ugg boots, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Several surf shops in San Fernando Valley, California and Santa Cruz are believed to have engaged in selling limited number of ugg boots to surfers as early as 1970s (Fornasier & Jellett, 2014). Surfers preferred the ugg boots to other types of shoes because they were designed to maintain warmth to keep them warm when they are surfing on the snow. Ugg boots are made from sheepskins with fleece attached on the inside. This ensures the natural insulative properties that give the boots isothermal properties (Marks, 2004). The thick and fleecy fibres wick moisture and permit circulation of air. This maintains the body temperature and allows the uggs to keep the feet warm on cold weather. The natural temperature regulatory system also keeps the feet cool is areas and periods of hot weather. Uggs are currently frequent in fashion and pattern due to their exclusive splendour and grace features. The ugg boots glimpse nice on every person particularly on girls, ladies and even older ladies. The grace and loveliness of females improves when they carry the ugg boots with miniskirts, tights denims and kattans. Well-manufactured boots add to their magnificence distinguished and beauty features. Users can buy matching ugg boots with their outfits designed for their personality so charming and polished. In addition, outfits alongside contrasting colours presents users fresh and revived appearances (Fornasier & Jellett, 2014). One of the fundamental characteristics of affordable ugg boots is that they are smooth and comfortable to walk in. users are required to wear them without socks or stocking because their internal texture is even smoother than the socks. The ugg boots are easy to carry around because they are manufactured using light sheepskin. The original countries that produced ugg boots were Autralia and New Zealand before the brand spread to other countries. “Ugg” is a connotation of the word “ugly” because the original pair of the ugg boots has been described as ugly. There have been several myths about the ugg boots, which were intended to spoil the image of the uggs among the users, but manufacturers and users have counteracted these myths and maintained the image of the ugg brand. The ugg brand has evolved from a brand made from sheepskin to an active and outdoor lifestyle that people currently consider a symbol of stylish, casual and luxurious life. References Fornasier, K., & Jellett, T. 2014. The ugg boot war. Parkside, S. Aust: Omnibus Books. Koleff, G. 1991. How to make ugg boots: The manual. Pasadena, S. Aust: Encyclotel. Marks, K. 2004. Theres no business like shoe business: The Independent. London, United Kingdom. Ugg Autralia. 2013. The story of Ugg. [Online] Retrieved from: http://www.uggaustralia.co.uk/world-of-ugg-story.html. Read More