The Story Behind the Original Mukluk from Muk's
Saturday, 27 March 2010 by Lydia Parafianowicz
Since she was three years old and her family moved from Canada to England, Jaime has been wearing mukluks – the cozy, furry boots that originated amongst Canada’s native population. Jaime’s mother had bought a pair for her to have as a reminder of home, and so her feet could stay toasty warm through winter.
“I was wearing them all over London and people were literally chasing me down the street to find out where I got them from,” says Jaime, who continued wearing the boots as she grew up as a unique fashion statement. “It was at that moment I thought, ‘Mukluks could be the next big thing!’”
In 2003, Jaime turned her dream to reality when she founded Muks, now referred to as “The Original Mukluks,” since so many imitations surfaced. While she had no training in fashion, she was motivated to share the wonders of fashionable yet functional
“Within two weeks of putting the Mukluks in a shop in Notting Hill, Kate Moss was our first customer,” Jaime recalls. “I was so excited! It’s exactly what every brand owner dreams about. I think I’m more touched when I actually see real people wearing my boots in the cities, it makes me so happy to know they made the choice to wear Muks.”
With fans including Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Carine Roitfeld and Chloe Sevigny, the popularity of the boots is booming, and each season they continue to be more high fashion as well.
But don’t be fooled by Jaime’s stunning beauty – despite her long golden locks and keen fashion sense, she’s not afraid to rough it in nature while visiting her native Canada.
Prior to founding Muks, Jaime (seen below at London Fashion Week) worked as a spa journalist, which she calls “one of the best jobs in the world” ... and we certainly don’t disagree! She’s still a big fan of spa-ing when she has the chance to get away from London on holidays, and also indulgences in shopping.
“At the moment, I’m not shopping too often as I am pregnant with my second child,” says Jaime, who already has a one-year-old daughter. “However after the baby, watch out retail world! My favourite designers are DVF, Vanessa Bruno, Marni, Whistles, classic Gucci, and for handbags Belen Echandia of course!”
To buy a pair of Muk's for yourself, visit www.muklukstore.com.
