meet the valenki.

So lately I've been toying with the idea of starting my own fashion line. Eventually I'd want it to be pretty all encompassing- men's and women's apparel, accessories and even some home goods-but for now I have my focus set on one product which I think there's definitely a market for. With the demise of the fashionability of Uggs, which can pretty much be blamed on the west coast's insistence on wearing them year round with denim skirts, and the plateauing of the yawn-inducing rubber Hunter boots, I think the time has come for a new boot to stomp it's way into the winter footwear market. Enter the Valenki- a 300 year old Russian felt boot worn by Tzar's and royal families and weather resistant up to negative 40 degrees. It's basically a felt boot with a rubber galosh bottom, and costs virtually nothing to make in it's most basic form. The great thing about this boot is there's so much you can do with it- The felt can come in any color or print, you could do fur, ribbon, and knit trims, embroidery and monogramming, fur inserts, and pair with any color galosh. I've been toying around with swatches and would love to use a Pendleton print like pictured above in one of the collections. The next steps are getting the trademark on the name Valenki, making a trip to China to choose a responsible manufacturer, getting a website underway and collecting a team!

Would LOVE feedback! Comments and suggestions very much appreciated!