Photos by David Allen
Founded in 1978 by an Australian surfer on the coast of California, UGG is a global lifestyle brand renowned for its iconic Classic boot. First worn by Hollywood royalty, fashion editors and then the world, UGG designs and retails footwear, apparel, accessories and homewares with an uncompromising attitude toward quality and craftsmanship. Delivering more than $1 billion in annual sales, UGG partners with the best retailers globally and owns over 130 concept and outlet stores worldwide in key markets including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. www.ugg.com. @UGG @UGGforMen
THE BIRTH OF AN ICON – In 1978, a young Australian surfer founded the UGG brand on the shores of Southern California. His Aussie roots forged a strong love for sheepskin and he was convinced the world would one day share this love.
A COASTAL CLASSIC – By the mid 1980’s, the UGG brand had become a symbol of relaxed southern California culture, gaining momentum through surf shops up and down the California coast.
OPRAH’S “FAVORITE THINGS” – In 2000, Oprah emphatically declared UGG one of her “Favorite Things” and we gifted 350 pairs of boots to her studio audience.
HAUTE SHOTS – UGG took the New York Fashion world by storm in the early 2000’s, evolving from boots and slippers to stylish luxuries that graced the pages of Vogue.
MAKING WAVES – In 2003, UGG debuted baby blue and pink classic boots. For the first time ever, the iconic boot was offered in pastel hues. Featured again on Oprah’s “Favorite Things”, the sorbet shades were an instant success, and the brand exploded overnight.
HELLO SOHO – In 2006, UGG opened the doors to the brand’s very first retail store in Soho, making its mark on the fashion capital of the world. NYC was the perfect place for the brand’s first flagship store, providing UGG fans a powerful physical expression of the brand and offering a place to experience firsthand the full breadth of the line.
KON’NICHIWA JAPAN – In 2006, UGG opened the Omotesando Hills store in Japan, marking the first step of international expansion.
NI HAO CHINA – In 2008, UGG opened the Beijing Solana store in China, the first of what would become over 50 stores in China.
HELLO LONDON – In 2008, UGG opened the Westfield and Covent Garden stores in London, increasing international reach and providing UK fans a destination to experience the UGG brand firsthand.
TOUGH LUXE – In 2009 UGG shook up the fashion scene and teamed up with Jimmy Choo to create an edgy capsule collection.
“Other than Jimmy Choo, UGG is really the only other footwear I have in my wardrobe.” – Tamara Mellon, OBE, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jimmy Choo
ALL THAT GLITTERS – Renowned for its signature sparkle, UGG teamed up with Swarovski Elements® in 2010, offering custom designs via decadent shimmering crystals.
TOM BRADY JOINS THE TEAM – In 2011, UGG partnered with star quarterback Tom Brady.
UGG stepped into the world of high fashion in 2011 with UGG Collection, fusing the timeless craft of Italian shoemaking with the luxe feel of sheepskin.
A FIRST FOR MEN – In 2012, UGG opened the doors to its very first UGG for Men store on 5th Avenue in NYC.
BONJOUR PARIS – In 2012, UGG opened the Le Marais store in Paris, adding France to the list of ever-expanding UGG regions that included Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
WELCOME HOME – Striking a harmonious balance between classic UGG comfort and decadent décor essentials, the Home Collection launched in 2013.
SOFT. SERVED. – The ultimate in nonchalant luxury, UGG launched Loungewear in Fall 2013. In true UGG tradition, sumptuous silhouettes fused a snuggly feel and flattering fit for the epitome of comfort-wear.
35 YEARS IN THE MAKING – September 2013 marked the 35th Anniversary of UGG’s arrival in the United States. To commemorate the milestone anniversary, UGG debuted a ’78 capsule collection and kicked off a global celebration rooted in 70’s surf culture.
UGG BY YOU – UGG by You launched in Fall ’13, offering completely customizable one-of-a-kind classics. The UGG By You customization program continued its success in Fall ’14, with customization features that included over 11,000 possible color combinations, custom Swarovski® decals and monogramming, charms and color-pop ribbons.
In 2013 Twinsole™ launched, offering the versatility of interchangeable insoles. Convertible footwear could now be worn with traditional cushioned insoles, or luxurious wool insoles, delivering signature UGG comfort in two forms.
MADE IN AMERICA – Authentic American craftsmanship at its best, the Made in the America Collection launched in Fall ’14, celebrating high-quality construction and premium materials sourced entirely in the USA.
Poised to capture the heart of the burgeoning fashionista, I Heart UGG launched in Fall 2014 with girlie-gone-glam remakes for next generation’s street style stars.
In Fall ’14 UGG launched the new brand campaign, “THIS IS UGG.” Life tells us to find those big moments. The ones that change things forever. The giant leaps. The great adventures. But real life happens in the smaller moments. THIS IS UGG is a collection of stories that embrace these small, but significant moments in our lives. The moments when we share and connect with others. These are UGG moments. This is what feels like nothing else.
