Every New York Fashion Week, certain designer items emerge as the fashion crowd’s favorites. Last year, the Prada logo tank tops and minimal strappy heels by The Row took the spotlight. However, this past week, a new shoe has captured the attention of the fashion world and is set to go viral: MSCHF’s Big Red Boot.
MSCHF: The Experimental Fashion Brand
If you’re not familiar with MSCHF, they are an experimental fashion brand known for using their product releases to make bold statements, often of a controversial nature. Their previous releases include boots that resemble medical casts, Birkenstock sandals made from Hermès Birkins, and even the infamous Satan sneakers in collaboration with Lil Nas X, which featured a drop of real blood in the soles. MSCHF constantly pushes the boundaries of fashion and seeks to make headlines. Their latest release, the Big Red Boot, is no exception.
The Big Red Boot: A Quirky Fashion Statement
The Big Red Boot from MSCHF looks like something straight out of a Super Mario video game. Priced at $350, these boots are made of TPU rubber and feature an EVA mid-outsole. The design takes cues from the world of gaming, embracing a cartoonish aesthetic that breaks free from the constraints of reality. As stated in the press release, “Cartoonishness is an abstraction that frees us from the constraints of reality. If you kick someone in these boots, they go boing!”
The Big Red Boot at New York Fashion Week
The monstrous Big Red Boots made a significant impact at New York Fashion Week, catching the attention of celebrities and street style stars alike. Vogue’s renowned street style photographer Phil Oh captured these attention-grabbing boots on Dorian Electra, who paired them with a graphic coat, a mini skirt (to showcase the boots), and a matching red beret. Model Sarah Snyder styled them with a glossy red skirt and white tights, while TikTok star and model Wisdom Kaye opted for a sporty look with athletic shorts.
The consensus among fashion enthusiasts was clear: let the statement boots take center stage, and they did so effortlessly. The Big Red Boots also found their way beyond the fashion set, with several stars rocking them in different settings. Basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore them to the arena before a game, Diplo sported them while watching a Knicks game, and Janelle Monae even shot hoops in them.
The Unexpected Popularity of the Big Red Boots
Given their impracticality and unconventional design, it’s surprising to see how quickly and widely the fashion world has embraced the Big Red Boots, even before their official release. Wearing these boots is undoubtedly a commitment, as TikTok videos demonstrate the effort required to put them on and take them off.
However, the fashion industry thrives on novelty and gimmicks, and these boots have everyone talking and taking notice this season. Those who dare to wear them earn bonus points for their boldness and risk-taking. Nevertheless, it’s likely that these statement boots will fade into obscurity like a Nintendo 64 console once the next season arrives.
Source: Vogue
