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The iconic Southern California footwear brand Ugg has partnered with the sustainable New York label Collina Strada to introduce their first-ever vegan boot collection. This seven-piece collaboration blends Ugg’s classic comfort with Collina Strada’s innovative, eco-conscious design aesthetic.
While Ugg, renowned for its sheepskin boots, has remained discreet about the vegan nature of its latest collection, Collina Strada has proudly emphasised the “v-word” on its website.
In addition to being animal-friendly, the Ugg boots boast striking prints designed by Collina Strada’s founder and creative director, Hillary Taymour, while utilising sustainable materials like sugarcane, Tencel, and recycled polyester microfiber.
The collection features boots with floral prints, ruffles, and even thigh-high socks. A press release states, “The bold offering celebrates the creative balance of feminine and masculine, soft and loud.” Both Ugg and Collina Strada emphasise the power of self-expression through fashion, with Collina Strada aiming to encourage self-reflection through its designs.
The Ugg x Collina Strada collaboration has not only delighted fashion enthusiasts but has garnered praise from the animal rights organization PETA.
PETA’s executive vice president, Tracy Reiman, said in a statement, “Ugg’s new vegan boots are a step in the right direction to help spare gentle sheep from the suffering associated with wool production. PETA is celebrating this victory for sheep and urging Ugg to make all its footwear animal-friendly.”
PETA had been pressuring Ugg for years to ditch animal products in its shoes, even buying a stake in the company. Last November, PETA sued Ugg, claiming the brand was lying about its treatment of animals. PETA took issue with Ugg’s claim that it only used hides from animals treated humanely. After PETA’s lawsuit, Ugg removed this claim from its website.
The collection debuted at the Collina Strada Fall/Winter 2024 runway show during New York Fashion Week in February 2024.
The Ugg x Collina Strada collection is available for purchase on the official websites of both brands and at select retailers. Prices range from £45 (€49.95) for the socks to £180 (€229.95/$170) for the Classic Mini and £230 (€297.95/$200) for the tall Ruffle Boots.
