Who am I to question cultural relativism? Real men have made Dutch clogs for centuries and real people have been wearing the Klomp for centuries. Nevertheless, the beginning of wooden footwear in Europe is not known to be an exact science.

The oldest wooden footwear in Europe dates from 1230 and 1280. The evidence of discovered wooden footwear points back to the Netherlands. Maybe our cultural relativism was valid.

I’ve often thought the Dutch clogs to be odd, but the discerning of fashion is not keen with some mortal men. The avant-garde do seem to grasp the importance of the fashion clog. And no matter if some of us think the clog to be a bit strange, it is a part of fashion that’s not going to go away. Chanel sells the expensive clog.

With our contemporary American mindset, we view the Dutch being behind the clog, yet I’m starting to experience the clog as an international fashion statement.

As we become more blessed with precipitation and good old soggy mud, we start to appreciate the practical need for a shoe that makes a statement and keeps the foot pleasantly dry. Who enjoys having wet feet?

Forgive my myopic shortcomings as a non-fashionista party member.

Now I get it. A quick slip of the clog and you’re at the opera. The smug stare of the Renaissance man sporting European wear is the perception. Where is my discipline? Where is my sense of Renaissance?