Style Arbiter Andre Leon Talley Defends Uggs: They Can Be as Chic as Heels for Women

The Ugg boot, as vilified as it is, remains one of the most popular, comfortable and trendy pieces of footwear available for both men and women. It’s not “high fashion” but that’s only because we’re not letting it be, Andre Leon Talley says in a recent interview.

Andre Leon Talley, former editor-at-large at Vogue, television personality and renowned style arbiter (also known as ALT), spoke to Styleite during New York Fashion Week 2012 and, among other things, also gushed about his honest love of the Ugg.

His appreciation for this type of footwear is so sincere that he even dared to wear it at the high-brow fashion event, something only he could probably get away with.

As ALT sees it, fashionable doesn’t have to equate uncomfortable. For those men and women who would rather they had comfort first, Ugg is the perfect option.

“Why not? I’m in it for comfort. When I discovered Uggs, it was a revelation. I love Uggs. Uggs can be as chic as heels for women. Uggs are comfort shoes and it’s important to have a shoe that gives you a sense of comfort,” ALT explains.

“I have about 15 pair of Uggs — the same shoe, the same color. And I also have the bedroom slippers. It’s my shoe of choice at this moment of 2012 — it has been my shoe of choice. I love that you noticed I’m wearing Uggs. And this is a Tom Ford bag,” the fashion guru further says for the same publication.

More than offering a plus in comfort, the Ugg can also keep its wearer “grounded” because it’s extremely practical, something not many other shoes can boast of.

The Ugg is the shoe of our times, ALT underlines.

“Uggs for me are a moment of utilitarian comfort that keeps you anchored in the reality of today’s world, which is very important. People have forgotten, and we’re all so busy running around, and these shoes give me a grounding,” he says.

“Men also have shoes, but sometimes, those tight little fabulous shoes are not exactly the thing you could wear for eight hours a day,” ALT adds.

Though known for his quirky fashion sense, ALT has built himself a reputation of a true style visionary. He’s tight with some of the biggest names in showbiz, but also gets credit for the promotion of new, undiscovered designers with incredible potential.

Via: Style Arbiter Andre Leon Talley Defends Uggs: They Can Be as Chic as Heels for Women