The upcoming Woodstock 50 music festival in August will, for certain, put wellington boots back in the spotlight. But based on our trend forecast, this music festival staple, as well as footwear, specifically made for a wet weather programme is about to have its biggest season yet for Fall/Winter 2019. One just needs to look at how major labels like Dior, Gucci and Chanel have all stepped out with their own renditions of this weather-resistant style – highlighting the increasing popularity of outdoor gear and the industry subtle statement on climate change. Yeap, prep yourself for more floods, hurricanes and storms.
At Chanel, its alpine-inspired collection includes a range of tweed and shearling boots that are lined with rubber uppers that are reminiscent of the ones on Chelsea rain boots. The shoes even come with a neoprene inner sock (as per usual rain boots) as a form of double protection from the elements. Not surprisingly, Burberry – that household heritage British label known for its rain gear like raincoats – has its own take on rain-appropriate footwear. For Fall/Winter, it debuts the Arthur sneakers which comes with a shiny rubber overshoe and shoe uppers made from nylon and suede that include designs like the TB monogram, the brand’s vintage checks and crystal embellishments.
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Then there are brands which are elevating the traditional wellington boots design. At Gucci, Alessandro Michele churns out a hybrid shoe style that combines the practicality of rain boots with the cool swagger of Western cowboy boots. Available in colourways like yellow or chocolate brown, the shoes are paired with ladylike separates like a peplum top and skirt. Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri reinvents the wheel too with her rendition of wellies. Her Greaser D boots, which are designed in calfskin, come with rubber overshoe and a ribbed knit top and faux fur lining. Another design called the Diorcamp is made from shiny black rubber and comes with a neoprene sock and nylon lining.
Unlike the other brands who adapted these rainproof footwear in their own little way, Stella McCartney turns to the O.G. of wellingtons for Fall. The designer teamed up with the 163-year-old Hunter company which is known for natural rubber rain boots to create a series of sculptural-looking boots that is said to be the most sustainable ever. Each pair is made from sustainably-sourced natural rubber from Guatemala and features a stretch sock insert that is made from an innovative rubber-based material called Yulex instead of the usual neoprene. In doing so, the brand manages to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during production by 80 per cent – one good way to leave your footprint with this trend.
