The #1 Cult Fashion Purchase Bella, Kate and Selena All Have in Common

They are the over-the-knee style that launched a thousand imitators, but Stuart Weitzman's Highland boots have been more than just a fling for A-listers. Since 2015, when they were designed and worn by Kate Moss (no less), they have become a constant presence on the celebrity circuit. Emma Roberts, Bella Hadid, Olivia Culpo and Joan Smalls are just a fraction of the familiar faces that have been spotted in the brand's suede pull-ons.

The fan club in itself may not be news to you, but some facts we heard the other day will be. First up, we were foolish to think that these boots were just whipped into creation on a whim—it took the Weitzman crew 19 attempts to produce the perfect pair. And when you look at the details, that makes perfect sense: From the tie that keeps the long length of suede in place (we've all been there with saggy OTKs) to the high (but not too high) heel that stands proudly at a reasonable 90mm.

It's no wonder that Google's customer reviews all hit the five-star mark and include such gushing statements as "I am obsessed with these over-the-knee boots!" and "I have had problems with other OTK boots falling down on me, but these fit perfectly on my legs like a second skin. The quality of the suede is luxurious. These boots are gorgeous, versatile and lengthening."

Secondly, there's a key influencer who prompted the birth of these boots, and it's not a modern-day A-lister. The Highland style was completely inspired by Vivian Ward, the character played by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. So while everyone recoiled in fear when OTKs first hit the scene—for fear of looking a little too much like this movie reference—it turns out that's the exact backstory to the fashion set's most popular pair of all time.

Stuart Weitzman

Highland Boots

Stuart Weitzman

Highland Boots

Stuart Weitzman

Highland Boots

Next up, time to study S/S 17's most important trends.

Explore More:

Hannah Almassi is the MD for Women’s UK at Future PLC. Following a decade-long tenure as Who What Wear UK’s first Editor-in-Chief, she now oversees Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. As an expert at the intersection of content, commerce, building brands and monetising digital platforms, she now combines her editorial experience alongside business acumen to help guide digital titles into the future.