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IN CONVERSATION WITH REESE COOPER
UGG® has teamed up with Los Angeles-based designer and multidisciplinary artist Reese Cooper for a collaboration that reimagines the UGG® Classic Mini and Classic Ultra Mini. Designed for multi-terrain use, these boots combine urban style with outdoor functionality, crafted from durable materials like CORDURA® and GORE-TEX for ultimate protection and versatility.
“We shot it by my grandparents’ home. The shoe to me needs to work in a muddy, waterfront town like theirs, however also hold up in a city environment.”
What initially sparked the idea for this collaboration with UGG?
Reese Cooper: The simple answer is my girlfriend got me a pair for Christmas a few years ago and within a week I had gotten them pretty dirty. I wanted to create a pair a little more durable / able to stand up to the elements!
How do you choose and select materials like CORDURA® and GORE-TEX for this collaboration?
R: I am a fan of both companies and greatly value any opportunity to work with their technologies. I think it’s a really fun juxtaposition to use materials like this on a footwear silhouette normally associated with very casual comfort.
What were the key factors you considered in your design process?
R: The intention was to keep it as close to the iconic design and silhouette of the classic UGG as possible, while changing the way we look at it. “Can you still tell it’s an UGG at first glance?” While keeping that in mind, pushing material development as far as we could.
How did you decide on the color palette?
R: We actually have quite a lot of synergy between the two brands when it came to palette. While at first it felt very classic UGG or classic RCI, it really can be said about both. The one that feels more “me” is the signal orange pair, however they were the ones who pushed us to produce it for commercial use instead of just friends and family!
Were there any unexpected challenges or breakthroughs in reworking such an iconic silhouette?
R: In any development process there are things that go wrong or come out unexpected, the trick is to look at them with an open mind. They often turn out cooler than your original idea!
The campaign was shot in Northern Georgia – why was this location chosen, and how does it reflect the essence of the collection?
R: We shot it by my grandparents’ home. The shoe to me needs to work in a muddy, waterfront town like theirs, however also hold up in a city environment. We’ve tested them in Los Angeles, was a good way to test the other end of the spectrum!
How do you envision people styling these boots in both urban and outdoor environments?
R: Hopefully however they want. I think they’re pretty versatile & I’m excited to see how people interpret them once they’re out in the world.
You’ve built an impressive career at a young age. Looking back, what advice would you give to young designers looking to enter the industry?
R: Learn as many different aspects as possible. Design, web coding, studio photography etc. Have a decent understanding of all of these things and you become less reliant on external factors. Feels good to be in control when you’re able to. And cheaper!
What’s next for Reese Cooper? Can we expect more outdoor-focused footwear designs in the future?
R: Yes! We have just released my third mainline REESE COOPER® footwear silhouette, the Gabriel Sneaker in March. It is a low top hiker built for wear both on and off trail. Footwear is a very exciting category for me that I am thankful to be able to participate in.
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