Moccasins: The New Classic?

Nov 19, 2007 @ 3:18pm

We first saw ahead-of-the-curve girls sporting classic Minnetonka moccasins at parties and shows around Brooklyn in 2003. We remember thinking that the shoes looked really cute, especially with skinny dark jeans, but that moccasin’s 15 minutes would soon be up.

But we were totally wrong. Moccasins – particularly the leather beaded-toe flats and the suede booties with fringe around the ankles – seem to be here to stay.

Marc Jacobs keeps including the traditional Native American inspired footwear in collection after collection. This fall’s Marc by Marc Jacobs moccasin boot is the perfect match for the studiously casual plaid shirt and the perfect jeans weekend outfit.

Are moccasins going the ballet flat way and becoming a classic? Or is this trend on its last legs?

--ALISON COOL

posted by Jacqueminette

Nov 19, 2007 3:39PM

Probably the former, unfortunately. Overall, I enjoy the look; I just can't stand the beaded ones. By and large, they are such an affront to the tradition and artistry of Native American handicrafts. It's a fine line to walk, that.

Swear: just go to northern Wisconsin and see what some of the people wear. Pick the article of clothing you find most amusing and start wearing it in the city. And, voilà! A trend is born.

posted by Rockmantica

Nov 19, 2007 4:38PM

They are classics for the stylish!

I have the knee-high lace ups in black and they are my favorite dancing shoes at rock shows. I can jump and do whatever move and not worry about balancing on heels or slipping. Love them!

posted by guest

Nov 19, 2007 5:00PM

I just left the area around Bard College in the Hudson Valley, NY. I saw some many girls running around in mocs with leggings, sweaters 10x too big, and disheveled hair. I will NEVER leave the house looking like I'm wearing pjs/my bf's clothes because we just had morning sex.

Bit too much for me...

posted by guest

Nov 19, 2007 5:46PM

No, those things are hideous. Worse even than Uggs (although the way they're hanging around doesn't bode well I suppose).

posted by FWD

Nov 19, 2007 6:22PM

They're cute, but something about them just seems too trendy. Like, you take one look at them and feel like they're already over before they even started. It's the same sort of vibe I got from leggings and Uggs.

posted by guest

Nov 19, 2007 6:42PM

How can you possibly call beaded moccasins "an affront to Native American tradition"? When ikat, batik and other tribal influences appeared on the runways this season, I doubt anyone would deem them an affront to African, Indonesian, or any other culture. Indeed, Chinese and Japanese stylistic influences are celebrated in many designers' work. Just because Marc Jacobs'-- or anyone else's-- particular moccasin does not exactly mimic that of the Sioux or Creek, does not make it an insult. It is, in fact, a tribute to their wonderful design and functionality.