Red Wing Shoe Company started making boots for women in the 1920's. The company responded to social changes to deliver "ladies boots" that suited the needs of independent women of the time while delivering the same quality and craftsmanship found in their men's shoes.

The shoes celebrated independent women then, and that's still the case today.

The new women's collection is a balance of the best of the best styles lifted straight from the core men's collection, like the 6-inch Moc; modern silhouettes, like the Harriet, a Chelsea-style boot; and legacy styles inspired by the past, like the Marion, a sleek riding boot.

Women's Red Wing boots are made from heifer hides from S.B. Foot Tanning Company. Heifer leather is thinner and softer compared to steer leather used in men's boots, making it easier to break in while maintaining excellent quality. The sole is also a lighter material that maximizes flexibility and durability, but uses the same Goodyear welting that will last.

The 6-inch Moc, Harriet, and Marion styles will be always be available at Hazel & Rose, but the entire collection will be available for one day only: Saturday, September 10, during the Launch Party.

It felt right to celebrate this exciting launch with a dedicated styled photoshoot. 

The shoes were the focus of this shoot, but I also pulled items from the fall collections of fellow Minnesotan brands Hackwith Design House and Winsome Goods. Though much newer than Red Wing Shoe Company, Hackwith and Winsome share similar values of quality craftsmanship, timeless yet modern design, and local production. Both designers will also be at the Launch Party September 10, along with pieces from their latest collections.

It was Athena Pelton who suggested we head to Taylors Falls to its gorgeous scenery as our backdrop. We set off late on a Monday afternoon to catch the light before sunset, and the resulting photographs are breathtaking.

Turtleneck: REIFhaus // Sweater: Hackwith Design House (arriving September 10) // Jeans: Imogene + Willie // Shoes: Red Wing Heritage 6-inch Moc in Oro Legacy

Coat: Ursa Minor // Dress: Winsome Goods (arriving September 10) // Shoes: Red Wing Heritage Harriet in Black Boundary

Dress: Winsome Goods (arriving September 10) // Shoes: Red Wing Heritage Marion in Cognac Excalibur

 

Photography: Athena Pelton

Location: Interstate Park in Taylors Falls, MN

Model: Megan McCarty