So it came to pass that in the early 19th century it was mostly worn by the British aristocrats to run around in outdoors, killing animals and birds as they went.
For most of the 20th century the Wellington boot came in a bog standard black, and then by the 1980s was also manufactured in green - albeit for those in the country who considered themselves part of the barbaric hunting, shooting and fishing brigade. They were then adopted by townies too, grateful for an alternative to black Wellingtons.
Red and blue wellies were options for tiny tots, certainly by the 1990s if not earlier, adorned with Thomas the Tank Engine, Postman Pat, Paddington Bear and other giants of children's literary world. Then, when festival-going become a trend rather than just the passion it had previously been, a whole host of fashionistas were to be seen backstage and in other privileged parts of muddy festival fields...wearing Wellingtons. And wellies in an array of exciting patterns colours and designs which transformed the market.
A company which delights in selling modern day fashion and practical Wellingtons, with both sole and soul is Brantano. They've shoes for all the family but their Wellingtons are traditional, sturdy and practical (in black or green) for gardening or muddy family walks.
Brantano's wider investment in the fashion shoe stakes can be seen in their range of autumn and winter shoe trends which I've been looking at. The blue wedge is especially eye catching.
In the past week I have noticed a lot of Wellington wearers, especially among students, (yes, even on days it's not wet). Women with style and some great looking wellies, it has to be said. They have become a daily, all-weather option of 21st century footwear.
Great for rainy days, but for long term wear definitely not good for the feet. And I don't care how colourful they make them, mine are staying basic black! :d
ReplyDeletewow they are so fashion! I have one black and white!
ReplyDeleteLéia
Haha - just by way of coincidence, I've just posted a bit about the Duke of Wellington, in a completely different context - did you know that he opened the first timetabled inter-city railway passenger service in the world? 1830 - you'll be familiar with the cities and with the motive power!
ReplyDeletei'd take those cheetah print ones!
ReplyDeleteThey are on my shopping list...!!
ReplyDeleteThey are fab Chrissy..Aimee has a pair in tartan and she loves wearing them to get to work on a rainy day.
ReplyDeleteThe perfect attire for a British summer. Very colourful!
ReplyDeleteI love this colorful capture! Wellies have become very popular among the college student set here, also regardless of weather. I've been eyeing purplish ones, but my practical side says basic black or green might make more sense (business dress code and all that:)
ReplyDeleteNice colors!
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a good pair of wellies!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea before about the history of the wellies boots. Now, I became a more avid fan of this kind of footwear. This is good to wear during winter especially when the road is snowy basically because wearing some shoes won't just perfectly fit.
ReplyDelete