The Evolution of the Rain Boot
A quintessential English fashion staple, a pair of wellies are more than just a rainy-day companion.
Though at one point in time protecting ourselves from the elements meant sacrificing fashion for function, the same cannot be said for the contemporary rain boot.
Born out of the traditionally rain-soaked countryside of England and beloved by members of the British Royal Family, Wellingtons, more charmingly known as "wellies," have not only maintained their status within the hierarchy of essential footwear, but have evolved gracefully with the trends of fashion history and become a mainstay in our closets.
Fittingly named after the Duke of Wellington, who is accredited to having invented the calf-length classic in the early 19th century, wellies are so much more than a defender of the elements.
While Wellington’s original boots were crafted out of leather, Hiram Hutchinson saw room for improvement. Used among farmers in the mid to late 19th century, Hutchinson’s functional rubber-made boots kept one’s feet and upper leg completely dry.
Following their growth in popularity during World War I and World War II, in which the famous Hunter Boot Company was responsible for manufacturing and supplying boots for British soldiers in the trenches, almost everyone in England owned pair of wellies.
Because of their simultaneous affordability and utility, rain boots evolved into the uniform of the everyday Englishman.
Frequently worn by members of the British Royal Family, including the fashion icon herself Princess Diana, the Original Hunter Green Wellington boot has become a symbol of quintessential English culture and fashion.
And though the classic green boot never fails to uphold its stylish reputation, the wellie has evolved in silhouette, color, pattern, and trend; never failing to make its case as a necessity for just about everyone.
Complemented by Y2K mini skirts and elements of oversized denim, rain boots allowed fashion's most devoted to take the trenches of Paris and London Fashion Week this year in style.
Far from bland, and humbly fabulous, rain boots took their place on this year's Fashion Week streets as the perfect companion for both sunshine and rain soaked runways.
In the same way outerwear is no longer employed just to keep us warm, and purses are so much more than a place to keep our loose belongings, a pair of wellies are no longer simply a source of protection for our feet. A stylish statement in functionality, rain boots serve as a place to put our foot down in fashion.
