Accessories: Cobra Society Blending Western Style Boots with a Moroccan Twist

Cobra Society [Africa Inspired]

The latest print issue of Vogue UK has an interesting article on the rise of a new breed of entrepreneur that they’ve called ‘globalists’; trendsetters who combine fair trade principles with business savvy whilst scouring the world for exciting new products that celebrate craft and heritage and marrying them with contemporary styling to create a fresh, modern and exciting product. Amongst the featured profiles was that of Cobra Society’s Alex Davis, whose debut Autumn/Winter 2011 collection of Western-style boots with a North African twist was snapped up by Net-a-Porter.

[Image credits: top, the Otto Boot; bottom, the Marley Boot – Cobra Society]

Based in Los Angeles, Alex is inspired by cultures of the world after time spent travelling North Africa, Europe, and Asia and brings this global outlook to Cobra Society. Alex studied in France, the UK, and Morocco and her fashion credentials include an internship at Stella MacCartney. Cobra Society is about bringing beauty, functionalism, and heritage together in products for modern stylish women reflecting the continuing impact of diverse global cultures on fashion. Taking an American classic in the Cowboy boot Alex set about feminising it, reshaping the heel and toe. Using Italian vegetable tanned leathers the boots are made in Spain using a special technique called the ‘Good Year Welt’ that is recognised as a high standard of footwear construction, employing the technique of sewing the sole by hand, which allows it to mould to the foot for greater comfort. Along the shaft of each boot are Kilim fabric panels from Morocco, distinctive in pattern, colour and texture. Alex employs 30 women, highly skilled rug artisans from a village high up in the Atlas Mountains. The traditional handwoven fabric means that no two pairs of boots are alike. Perfect with jeans, long skirts or short dresses styles range from bootie to over the knee and Alex is looking to expand Cobra Society’s offerings with a men’s line and accessories such as handbags planned for the next collection.

…ancient and classic heritages combined for a modern global style

Additional details:
Cobra Society Boots currently available on Net-a-Porter priced at: £640-£1020
For further information about Cobra Society visit: www.thecobrasociety.com
To purchase boots visit: www.net-a-porter.com