Functionality and nostalgia in the new UGG x Reese Cooper collaboration

Can functionality be nostalgic? For Reese Cooper, a designer and multidisciplinary artist from Los Angeles, the answer is yes. His first collaboration with UGG, a modular and water-repellent line that transforms the brand's Classic Mini and Classic Ultra Mini models into footwear for all types of terrain, tells his story. From the choice of materials—CORDURA® and GORE-TEX—to the backdrop of the launch campaign, every element of this new project expresses an aspect of the designer's creative and innovative personality. Cooper told us that the collaboration with UGG was one of the fastest he has ever done. «I came in ready with the idea on day one and luckily the team liked it! From there it was just straight into it. I think we were very fortunate getting to bypass the “brainstorm” stage». Designed with a focus on durability and versatility, Cooper x UGG Classics are intended for outdoor activities, whether in untouched nature or in the city center. With a palette inspired by earth tones, the Minis can be worn in different ways thanks to an elastic, while the Ultra Minis are completely covered with a waterproof and non-breathable fabric. «Nothing ever works as you think it will in your head which can lead to even better ideas mid-process», says Cooper about the shoe creation process. «My favorite characteristic about them is if they’re dirty, you can literally just hose them off».

The campaign images themselves portray some of Reese Cooper's main inspirations. Set in Northern Georgia, at the designer's grandparents' house, the shoot best expresses the connection between the creative mind and his designs with American nature, as well as his constant desire to leave the city of Los Angeles for outdoor adventures. «The city is very influential to me both directly and indirectly. We try to get out of the city itself as often as possible», says Cooper. About his grandparents' house, he adds, «It was a really fun and sometimes weird experience having so many people there at a place so special to me». In the images, the protagonists Bella Newman, Stevan Journey, Ben Weinswig, and Ross Tew explore every corner of Northern Georgia's countryside, moving from water to land, wearing the collab for fishing, long walks, or for fun on a pedal boat.

With this new collaboration, UGG confirms its support for the new generations of creatives who are shaping the international fashion scene. Through Reese Cooper's extremely practical and functional approach, UGG has thus transformed two iconic models from its history. A bold move that, as Cooper himself recounts and the campaign images demonstrate, was a lot of fun. «There was very little push back to any ideas and instead the team was very enthusiastic about problem solving». Working closely with the UGG team and exploring firsthand how the brand operates, Cooper says he now understands what makes UGG shoes a model capable of standing the test of time. «It’s a mix of slight innovation, consistency and simplicity», says the designer. Values that, as Cooper also recalls, make the brand recognizable in every corner of the world.