Women’s Over-The-Knee Boots
By: Bella Watson
Table of Contents Page 3 – History of Over-The-Knee boots Page 5 – Christian Louboutin Page 6 – Christian Louboutin Store Analysis Page 8 – Christian Louboutin Product Analysis Page 10 – A Brief History of Christian Louboutin Page 11 – Coach Page 12 – Coach Store Analysis Page 14 – Coach Product Analysis Page 16 – A Brief History of Coach Page 17 - Aldo Page 18 – Aldo Store Analysis Page 20 – Aldo Product Analysis Page 22 – A Brief History of Aldo Page 23 – Conclusion
A History of Over-The-Knee Boots Despite their appearance in women’s fashion nowadays, over-theknee boots were originally created for as men’s riding boots in the 15 th century. The extra material used in the boots gave the legs more protection when riding on horseback. The introduction of over-the-knee boots was also linked to the decline in the use of full-plate armor in warfare as firearms became more popular. This style of riding boots was used by men all over in the 17th and the 18th century, and they were common up until the late 19th century. The earliest examples of women wearing over-the-knee boots was in the “principal boy” role in pantomime theater. This is where the young male protagonist is played by a young actress in boy’s clothes. Over-the-knee boots were also seen on women in the late Victorian era. They usually laced up and were a trend among prostitutes in London who wanted to appeal to clients interested in a dominatrix. Over-the-knee boots for women became more of a fashion item in the early 1960s. Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent were a few of first
designers to include over-the-knee boots in their collections. Over the next three decades, over-the-knee boots were seen in a variety of styles such as suede, stack-heeled, loose-fitting, low-heeled, brightly colored, brocade, satin, leather, and high-heeled. The film Pretty Woman (1990) sparked interest in patent leather high-heeled over-the-knee boots. By the mid2000s and up until today, over-the-knee boots have been and still are quite commonplace in every price range.
Christian Louboutin “Monicarina”
Designer Specialty
The Store 58 E. Oak Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Merchandise Presentation: Most shoes are displayed on mirrored or glass shelves along the walls of the store. “Monicarina” has a bigger space because of the size of the boot.
Visual Merchandising: Shoes from the newest collection are displayed in hanging clear cases by the front window. The carpet is also the same red as Louboutin’s signature soles.
Customer Service: A doorman is present and greets customers as they enter. Employees tend to wait until a customer approaches them instead of coming right up to them and asking if they need assistance. Employees are helpful, but not quite as friendly as stores with less expensive merchandise which can be expected in some high-end boutiques.
Store Maintenance: The store is consists of two levels and I was told that it is approximately 1,700 square feet. There is ample space with plush seating for trying on shoes. There are no fitting rooms. The
register is location towards the back of the first level. The store is impeccably clean – from the red carpet that looks as though it has been vacuumed recently to the numerous spotless mirrors. ď ś
Overall Experience: My overall experience was pleasant. As soon as you step through the doors of the store, you feel as though everything around you is expensive (which it is). I would like it better if the employees were a bit friendlier and approached the customers more rather than the customers asking them for help. They do offer great assistance once you ask. I would definitely recommend the store to fellow shoe lovers.
The Product
Fiber Content & Care Instructions: Made from black leather. Care: Keep the leather area clean and dry using a dry soft cloth; Always store your products away from light and heat; Protect your leather good from rain and moisture; Store your products in the Christian Louboutin dust bag provided to you when not in use; Avoid contact with abrasive surfaces.
Country of Origin: Italy
Detailed Garment Description: “Va va voom! The ‘Daffodile’ has been re-created in the form of an irresistible thigh-high boot, the "Monicarina." For the lady who isn't afraid to spice things up, get ready to stand sky high and above the competition in this supersexy boot.” (from www.christianlouboutin.com).
Suggested Retail Price: $2,645.00
Size Range Offered: European sizes 35-42 with half sizes included.
Styling: Fashion
Signature Design Elements: Red soles with Christian Louboutin logo, “Made in Italy”, and size imprinted in the back of the sole.
Target Customer: Mainly women in their 20s and 30s. These women are definitely on the wealthy side and include celebrities and socialites. However, Louboutins appeal to women of all ages and all social statuses, even those who cannot afford them.
The “Monicarina” boot relates to Louboutin as it is an adaption of the popular “Daffodile” shoe. It is a fall/winter staple for those who can afford it.
A Brief History of Christian Louboutin Before beginning his own business under his name, Christian Louboutin served as a freelance designer for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Maud Frizon. Louboutin set up his company in 1991 with Princess Caroline of Monaco as his first customer. This gave his shoes ample publicity and led to increased interest in them. Louboutin is known for helping to bring stilettos back into fashion in the 1990s and 2000s. However, the biggest thing Louboutin is known for is the red soles on every single pair of shoes. Christian Louboutin has also topped the Luxury Institute’s annual Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) for three years. His shoes were declared the Most Prestigious Women’s Shoes in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Today, Christian Louboutin sells approximately 700,000 pairs of shoes a year. He has extended the brand to include a line of handbags and
purses as well as men’s shoes. There are 55 boutiques worldwide, and can be found in major retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. The full line can also be found online at the brand’s official website.
Coach “Dalla”
Bridge Specialty
The Store 82 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Merchandise Presentation: All shoes are displayed along a wall of the store with “Dalla” having more space because of its size and the fact that it is a relatively new boot for the season.
Visual Merchandising: Accessorized outfits are on display in the store windows and there is lighting in display shelves to enhance the products.
Customer Service: Salespeople are quite friendly and quick to greet customers as they arrive. They are also very knowledgeable about the products they are selling and offer suggestions based on what the customers are looking for.
Store Maintenance: The store is very neat and everything is in its place. The sale section is slightly messier due to more customers looking through it more vigorously as opposed to regular priced merchandise. You can definitely tell that employees take care to make sure the store is presentable at all times. The store is fairly large with different kinds of merchandise in their own sections. The cash registers are located in the back middle of the store.
Overall Experience: My overall experience was very nice. There were more customers and a few more employees than at the Christian Louboutin store and there isn’t too much of a super high-end feeling. Employees are very helpful and quick to answer any questions customers have. I would absolutely recommend this Coach store.
The Product
Fiber Content & Care Instructions: Made from black leather and the fold-over cuff is lined with suede. Care: No specific care instructions provided, but I would guess using a special cloth when cleaning and keeping in a dry environment when not in use.
Country of Origin: China
Detailed Garment Description: “The suede-lined collar of this dramatic, over-the-knee silhouette rolls down to create a
luxurious cuff. Crafted in tumbled glazed leather or velvety split suede, the design is finished with a chic stiletto heel and a full leather lining inside.” (from www.coach.com)
Suggested Retail Price: $625
Size Range Offered: 5B-11B
Styling: Fashion
Signature Design Elements: Nice quality that lives up to the Coach brand name along with the Coach logo on the inside of the boot.
Target Customer: The “Dalla” boot appeals to women of all ages. The heel is a medium height at 3¼ inches, which is appropriate for women in their 20s to their 50s or 60s. It is a very versatile boot that can be styled in many different ways as well as providing warmth in the winter months.
A Brief History of Coach Coach was founded in 1941 in a loft on Manhattan’s 34 th Street in New York City. It was originally called Gail Leather Products, but in the mid1970s, the company changed its name to Coach Products, Inc. In 1980, the company changed its name again to Coach Leatherware Company. The brand’s logo with introduced in 1959, and today purses can be recognized with their pattern of the letter C. Today, Coach is mainly known for their handbags, but they also sell women’s and men’s accessories, watches, footwear, and eyewear. Coach also has over 600 stores in the US and Canada. More are expected to open in the near future. Coach’s strong presence in the US can be attributed to locating some of their boutiques within select department stores and specialty retailer locations. Coach’s products were originally manufactured in the US, but today they outsource to China.
Aldo “Fewell”
Contemporary
Specialty
The Store 409 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Merchandise Presentation: Shoes are displayed on shelves along the walls of the store and tables in the middle of the store. “Fewell” is on a middle table because it is a newer and stylish boot for winter.
Visual Merchandising: The newest shoes are displayed nicely in the front windows of the store.
Customer Service: Employees greet customers as the walk in; not necessarily walking right up to them, but rather welcoming them from the cash register. Salespeople will occasionally ask customers if they need help, but sometimes they will wait until a customer comes up to them to offer assistance. Salespeople are more likely to ask if a customer needs help if they notice that customer has been looking around for a while.
Store Maintenance: The store is fairly small but still a good environment. There are no fitting rooms and the cash registers are located in the center back of the store. Newer shoes are displayed towards the front with older or sale shoes in the back. I couldn’t really decipher exactly how the shoes were sorted as there was a shelf containing an open toe pump and a bootie, but that is not too distracting.
Overall Experience: My overall experience was fine. You can definitely tell the difference between an Aldo store and a high-end boutique such as Christian Louboutin. Customer service is not spectacular, but that can be expected from a chain store. Employees are friendly enough. The organization of the merchandise can be a bit confusing, but the store has a welcoming environment.
The Product
Fiber Content & Care Instructions: Made from synthetic with a rubber sole. No care instructions provided, but they are probably not as specific or extensive as Christian Louboutin and Coach. I would say mainly to keep the boots clean and store them in a dry environment when not in use for longer wear.
Country of Origin: China
Detailed Garment Description: “Add style and feminity to any outfit with these oh-so-hot boots.
- Thigh boot. - Hidden platform. - Zip closure. - Towering heel and almond toe. - Heel Height: 5 in. - Platform Height: 1.5 in. - Shaft Height: 21.75 in. - Circumference: 14 in.” (from www.aldoshoes.com)
Suggested Retail Price: $150
Size Range Offered: 5-11
Styling: Fashion
Signature Design Elements: Most Aldo shoes are not made from real leather, but they look nice enough that they could pass for leather to and untrained eye.
Target Customer: Women in their late teens and 20s. These women don’t have the kind of money to buy as expensive shoes such as those from Christian Louboutin or Coach, but they still want to look
stylish and fashionable. “Fewell” is a great choice for younger women with a budget.
A Brief History of Aldo The Aldo Group, usually known as just Aldo, was founded by Aldo Bensadoun in Montréal, Quebec in 1972. Its corporate headquarters are still there today. Aldo was originally a footwear concession within Le Chateau. Its first freestanding store opened in Montréal in 1978. The brand expanded in the 1980s and 1990s, opening more stores across Canada.
Aldo’s first US store opened in Plattsburgh, NY in 1990. Aldo also opened a store in Israel in 1995. The brand expanded even further in the 2000s, opening stores in Saudi Arabia, England, and Singapore. There was major expansion in the American market in 2010. Today, The Aldo Group is a worldwide corporation with nearly 1,600 stores under four retail banners: Aldo, Call it Spring/Spring, Little Burgundy, and Globo. Stores in Canada, the US, the UK, and Ireland are owned by the Group, while international stores are franchised. Aldo is known for their shoes, but they also have a limited line of accessories and purses available too.
Conclusion While over-the-knee boots were originally made for men and then became synonymous with prostitutes for a while, they are now quite common in women’s fashion. They are available in a wide variety of price ranges, from Christian Louboutin priced in the thousands, to Aldo priced in the lower hundreds. They can be styled in many different ways and worn
with several types of outfits. I would consider them to be a staple for the fall/winter season, both for fashion and for warmth. Whether they be designer or bridge or contemporary, every women should own a pair of over-the-knee boots in black leather.