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Consider this MUNA ’s latest extracurricular: starring in UGG’s back-to-school campaign. The indie-pop trio has teamed up with UGG for the footwear brand’s latest fall push, a partnership that feels particularly fitting for a band whose music and visual identity are rooted in self-expression. UGG chose the indie-pop trio because of their emotionally honest songwriting and distinct visual point of view, while MUNA was drawn to the partnership because the people behind it understood how to represent the band without compromising their identity. Related From 'Royal Wedding' Mugs to 'Paper Rings,' Taylor & Travis Wedding Merch Hits the Internet As Football Star Calls Ceremony 'So Magical' LISA Documentary About Her 'Transformative Year Away From BLACKPINK' Is Coming to Theaters 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35 Unveils Cast Including a Savanna Banana, a Hanson Brother, 'Love Island U.K.' and 'Summer House' Vets & More Explore Muna See latest videos, charts and news
The collaboration also builds on UGG’s work with the arts and LGBTQ+ organizations including Queer|Art, which supports LGBTQ+ artists, and Chicxs Rockerxs South East Los Angeles, which uses music, mentorship and social justice programs to support youth. “We appreciate the long-standing partnerships UGG has with important organizations,” the band said in a press release. “They are putting the arts at the center of their back-to-school campaign and encouraging younger folks to embrace whatever makes them feel most like themselves.”
On Tuesday night, UGG celebrated the partnership by throwing MUNA an intimate back-to-tour party in Los Angeles, where I caught up with Katie Gavin and Josette Maskin to talk about the brand collaboration, queer fashion and what they’re wearing when they hit the road. The band kicks off their Gets So Hot tour on Sept. 17, following the release of their latest album, Dancing on the Wall , which came out in May. And while the band has plenty to say about the “dark ’90s” vibes for the tour, there’s one thing they agree on: UGGs are the first thing they’re putting on when they get off stage.
The back-to-school collection includes footwear for adults, kids and toddlers , along with clothing designed for the school season. The assortment features UGG staples like slip-ons , a new take on the classic mini boots, sneakers , plus cozy cardigans and retro-inspired letterman jackets.
For MUNA, agreeing to work with a major brand came down to whether the partnership would actually let them be themselves. “We immediately felt safe,” Maskin said. “And we knew that they weren’t gonna make us do anything that didn’t feel like it was true to MUNA.” There was another, considerably simpler reason to say yes: “We f*cking love UGGs.”
The back-to-school campaign also allowed MUNA to look back at their own college days, where Gavin, Maskin and McPherson met while attending USC. Maskin remembers Gavin wearing high-heeled sneakers, saying, “She was so punk rock,” while Gavin said she loved her green undercut.
For Maskin, looking…