LEG BEAT
STEP UP TO THE BAR: If Bootihose’s founders had their way, every downtown party would have women, and some daring men, sporting a printed color bar over their boots.
Started by Andrew Levich and Lily Yacobi last July, Bootihose is a Lycra spandex and polyester knee high with a printed color bar designed to peek out over a boot. Prints on the bar include plaids, checks, animal prints and camouflage.
“We wanted something that’s comfortable but at the same time accessorizes,” said co-founder and creative director Levich. “[Bootihose] is an instant look. It gives you instant attitude.”
Levich said he and Yacobi started developing the product by walking “up and down the Garment District and spending the rest of afternoon reading fashion magazines at Barnes & Nobles.”
After having found a local manufacturer, the founders tried to develop Bootihose at maximum comfort level. The result: a tube-style knee-high sock without any additional stitching on the heel that could irritate the wearer.
Bootihose is available in a rider packaging with instructions on how to wear and wash the item.
The firm is currently spreading the word by sponsoring downtown parties and events. At these affairs, guests receive promotional products with information on how to purchase the item on the firm’s Web site, bootihose.com.
Bootihose wholesales for $9 and the company plans to begin distribution at retail this fall.