Traditional Mukluks get a makeover with MUKS

For winter we don’t just want our boots to look good but also to be comfortable and keep us warm.

A big responsibility for a pair of boots, but Jaime Cooke, founder of Muks, saw the potential in the  traditional mukluk boots the Canadian Aboriginals wore when hunting in the snow and knew she could make them work for the fashion conscious who wanted comfort as well as  style.

Derived from the Yupik (native language of Siberia and Alaska) word ‘muklak’ meaning large seal, the mukluk boots were so called because they were usually made of sealskin. However moose hide and reindeer skins were also used.  These soft sturdy boots allowed the hunters to move quickly and quietly. To keep extra warm they were insulated with animal furs, and to look good (even hunters want to look stylish) adorned with pompoms or tassels and beaded patterns

Jaime adapted the mukluk boot in to a range of fashionable warm boots:

ORIGINAL MUKS

The Original Muks have a drawstring cord adorned with pompoms to secure the top edge of the boot and hand finished beading in diamond and arrow design.  This beadwork is hand sewn by native Aboriginals at local First Nations Reserves.  You can choose between rabbit or faux fur. 

Wine suede with beading, grey faux fur, fleece lining and water resistant natural rubber sole stamped with Muks on bottom.  £300

Black suede beading, black rabbit fur, fleece lining and a crepe sole derived from the rubber tree. The crepe sole is more suitable for dry winter climates. £325

 WRAP MUKS

It’s a wrap for the Short & Tall Wraps:

Inspired by the Inuits of Canada, designed exclusively by Muks. These tall and short boots are made of rabbit or faux fur which fully opens and wraps around the leg. This is then held securely in place with suede straps criss crossing around the leg and tied with a side bow. 

Tall wrap in brown suede with faux fur, beaded diamond design and water resistant rubber sole stamped with Muks on the bottom. £350

Short wrap in charcoal grey suede with grey rabbit fur, fleece lining and crepe sole. £325

  LUXE BOOT

1970’s Bohemian look: Muks Luxury collection

This luxe collection includes the ankle boot trimmed with longy fur and the knee high wedge.  

The tall Numtijah Wedge boot goes for the shaggy look. Here  in black suede and black Mongolian Lamb, sheepskin lining and rubber wedge sole. Also available in brown and grey

Celebrities who have discovered comfort and style go together with Muks Muklus are Kate Moss (apparently their first customer), Kate Hudson, Elle Macpherson, Beyonce, Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez to name a few.

More details to be found on their website http://www.muklukstore.com

Images provided by Dee Vesali PR

New Designer - Ruti Danan

As an assistant of Alexander McQueen, new designer Ruti Danan perfected the art of tailoring and styling. By the time McQueen went to work for Givenchy, Ruti was ready to set up her own label.
Her latest couture collection was inspired by the tale of Solika, a beautiful Jewish girl who in 1834 refused to marry the son of the Moroccan king and was beheaded because of the refusal (he didn’t take rejection well). These designs transform the wearer in to modern day Solika but this time without losing her head (thankfully). Ruti has dedicated the collection to her mother who is also called Soulika.
Ruti uses luxurious feminine fabrics to create her designs such as gossamer sheer chiffon, radiant silks and fragile delicate lace. This collection sees lots of this feminine lace in either black or soft pinks and creams.
Her dresses are cut on the bias, with no side seams, -one piece is used and the dress is created on a dummy. The way the dress is cut enables her clients to wear a size smaller – an instant solution to dieting for that special evening!! Each dress is hand made from start to finish ensuring the exclusivity of her designs. This exclusivity of each garment attracts A-list supermodels, pop stars and actresses. Celebrities who have worn her one-off designs include: Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell and Elle Macpherson. Thandi Newton appeared in a Ruti body skimming black lace sheath dress in the opening sequence of “Mission Impossible II”.
Ruti offers her clients a made-to-order service. By taking her design collections as a starting point, Ruti adapts the style for the client’s particular occasion and body shape, thus ensuring the dress is a perfect fit and also unique. Her dresses are frequently worn to premiers and galas, while her wedding gowns are sought after for their fresh, contemporary appeal.
The September “Pop-up showroom” hosted by the micro-boutique hotel 40WiNKS saw Ruti Danan launching her new silk chiffon Cami Scarf accessories. Ruti describes the cami scarf as "a romantic and sensual scarf decorated with dantel and crystal brooches, perfect for evenings out and nights in." And continues with "It is an accessory that can be worn in different styles for every occasion. These are timeless, vintage designs, which have the power to mark an entrance with subtlety and individuality." The scarves are cut on the bias and stitched with vertical seams giving the illusion of an underworld fantasy of flowing water. There are 16 different styles, one camisole and the cami flower fascinator. Colours include: black, white, ivory, pink, yellow, red and blue.
If you cannot afford a Ruti Danan Couture dress, then invest in one of her cami-scarves. The Cami-scarf collection can be purchased at Kohsamui, 65-67 Monmouth St, Covent Garden and Basia Zarzycka 52 Sloane Square.
See her collection on website www.rutidanan.com
For the cami scarf see website www.camiscarf.com/camiweb/collection.html