How It's Made: The Anine Bing Boots L.A. Girls Love

If there were an award for most popular ankle boot among top bloggers and stylish celebrities, it would have to go to Anine Bing for her Charlie boot. The Danish designer’s studded bootie has been seen on the likes of Jessica Alba, Chiara Ferragni, and Aimee Song—to name but a few—and is a favorite among fashion editors, too. As the first boots Bing ever debuted (three years ago now), they show no signs of losing steam. When asked why that might be, Bing explained, “They’re a statement piece that adds that little extra something [to an outfit], and all the girls I know who own them say they’re their most comfortable shoes. Handmade here in Los Angeles with the softest leather, you can just [sense] the time and love that has been put into them.” To get proof of that, we went behind the scenes to find out exactly how the beloved boots get made.

Scroll down to learn about the production process.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

The process begins with Anine collecting inspiration and working with her design team to formulate a new style based on mood boards and sketches. For the Charlie boot, Bing tells us, “I wanted to create a statement boot! A pair that you could wear with anything: jeans, shorts and dresses. They give [any outfit] that extra edge.” As for the name? “I wanted to give them a strong name, and I also liked that this was unisex," Bing explains.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

The Charlie boot is handmade in Los Angeles, where Bing is based, but her role in the production has changed over time. “When I started the brand, I went to the factories myself,” she tells us. “But now with two kids and a very busy work schedule, there is not as much time for that side of the business anymore. I have a really good team on the production side, [though], which I am truly grateful for. I’m [still] in charge of all designs, and I check all samples and approve them before we go into production. The style and fit of a new design will always be very important to me and something I never want to step away from.”

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Once the body of the boot has been settled on, the design team specifies all details, such as the studs, buckles, and stitching, and what kind of leather will be used. A first sample is made and analyzed for any errors, and once it is perfected, the production begins.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

To begin, the manufacturers will cut the leather and suede pieces in line with their preset patterns. 

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

The pieces are then stitched together to form the upper portion of the boot, and the side zipper is attached. The studs are then machine-attached one by one, and once that’s finished, the upper body is sent to be embroidered.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Meanwhile, the lining is being made. It is sewn using the exact technique as the upper body. Once the upper body is complete, the lining will be stitched inside of it.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Next, the upper body is placed on a "last," which is the mold for the shoe. There is a separate last for each shoe size.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

They will then glue down the inside sole and insert nails around the leather body to hold it tightly in place. It will stay on the last for 48 hours.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

During this time, the outside sole, which is 100% leather, and the heel will be made. The heel is built on several leather layers that are glued and pressed together.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

When the sole is complete, it will be colored black, stamped with the Anine Bing logo, and attached to the heel.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

After 48 hours, the boot is removed from the last, and the sole (with heel) is glued on with assistance from heat activation and added pressure.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

The final step is to color the wood with black polish and shine the decorative studs.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

The boots are then inspected one by one to make sure they are 100% perfect.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

If so, they will be wrapped in tissue paper, placed in a dust bag, and put inside an Anine Bing shoebox to be sent to the store.

main

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

Shop the Charlie boots, below!

Jessica Schiffer
Contributing Editor
Who's your style icon? 
Columbine Smille and Clemence Poesy
Who are your 5 favorite people to follow on Twitter/Instagram?
@michelgaubert @__nitch @therow @textsfromyourexistentialist @theacademynewyork
What's the fashion essential you can't live without?​
A stylish but comfortable pair of black ankle boots.
What's your desert island album?
I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty
What's your favorite WhoWhatWear.com story? A Complete Roundup of Anna Wintour’s Best Career Advice Ever See More