By Yepoka Yeebo
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — One of the world's most contentious fashion items has a new home in Midtown.
Widely derided and fiercely defended boot brand Ugg Australia will open a Midtown flagship at 600 Madison Ave. on the corner of 58th Street on Friday.
On Thursday afternoon, loyal fans were already casing the 1,700-square-foot temple to sheepskin boots.
"I have three pairs, and I have three daughters and they each have three pairs," said Emily DeJesus, 45, who was staking out the store Thursday afternoon.
"They have so many new styles, that's why I came running to see. Sometimes with a grand opening, they have limited editions."
DeJesus, of Westchester, said she saw the boots — especially the limited edition pairs — as collectors items.
She said she was also a big fan because they were fashionable, and could withstand the playground.
"You pay for them, but they last a long time," she said. "They have that worn look, but nothing's broken, nothing's damaged."
The store will open at 10 a.m. on Friday after a swank Thursday night reception with Vogue magazine and "Gossip Girl" star Jessicca Szhor. The event is also a fundraiser for the Boys and Girl's Club of America.
Staffers say the store will carry the entire Ugg line, which includes winter accessories, and pairs designed by Jimmy Choo that retail for $600.
Ugg enthusiast Jessicca Kaftor was said the boots had a long and storied history. Kaftor, 25, said she remembered "girls wearing Uggs on the beach in California with little skirts back in 2003."
Kaftor, from the Bronx, swears by her classic pair.
"They're so warm in the winter," she said, staring lovingly at the boots in the window display during a cigarette break.
