Blundstone Trailblazers: Mariana Van Zeller
GearStories Behind the Gear: Blundstone
Written by Daniel Neilson
Photography courtesy of Blundstone
Every scuff, every scrape, every drop of paint tells a story about the way you live your life. And just like a tale that gets better with every telling, these boots improve with age. Well Worn is a celebration of 154 years of stories told in these iconic boots from world-trotting investigative journalists to woodworkers. In this article, we meet Mariana van Zeller, a Portuguese journalist, correspondent for the National Geographic Channel, and a recipient of the prestigious Peabody Award.
Mariana van Zeller first came to the world’s attention as a student for her coverage of the September 11 attacks. Now, as a Peabody Award-winning journalist, she continues to explore the darker sides of humanity, from gun runners to drug smugglers, as the host and executive producer of National Geographic’s hard-hitting investigative series Trafficked, which recently won five Emmys National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awards. Mariana’s Blundstones have seen it all, from all corners of the globe.
So what is the secret to her success?
‘Empathy is front and centre to everything I do, particularly in my reporting. I always try when interviewing people to put myself in their shoes and try to understand why they do what they do,’ Mariana says.
‘The sort of journalism that I wanted to pursue, covering black markets, was where I could explore the darkest deepest criminal worlds, from the Amazon jungle to the high-security prisons of Venezuela. No-one else has been here, no-one else has heard this story, and I have this opportunity to shine a light. I think that’s very much what drives me.’
Mariana is part of Blundstone’s Well Worn campaign, which celebrates the stories of the people who live in Blundstone boots.
Mariana first discovered Blundstones through a colleague of hers. ‘Ashley Gilbertson is my favourite photojournalist, and he was wearing Blundstones. He kept on telling me how they were the most comfortable boots in the world. Ever since that day, every single story I’ve ever done, every single trip I’ve ever made, I’ve always worn Blundstones.’
‘The more you wear a pair of Blundstones, the more they begin to reflect the life you live,’ says Blundstone Joint CEO Adam Blake. ‘Every scuff and mark has a story, intertwined with your life experiences and personality. Like wine, our boots only get better with age.’
Blundstone was founded in Tasmania, Australia, in 1870, making the toughest, no-nonsense footwear for work and play. Blundstone boots are renowned for durability, quality, craftmanship, and understated style, and loved by those wanting a product that stands the test of time. Best known for their iconic elastic-sided Chelsea boot, Blundstone was recently named the ‘everywhere boot’ in TIME100’s Most Influential Companies of 2024. It’s this versatility that finds Blundstone boots on the feet of fashionistas, creatives, adventurers, thrill-seekers, farmers, chefs, and makers in over 70 countries across the globe.
‘Blundstones are not made for sitting still, they’re made for living,’ adds Adam. ‘And it’s the memories, experiences, and stories of life that we are celebrating through this campaign.’
Well Worn is a celebration of the everyday stories told in Blundstone boots. Blundstones don’t just mould to your feet. They’re shaped by the life you lead, getting better with every step you take and every mark you make. So, how will you wear yours?
Written by Daniel Neilson // @danieljneilson
Photography courtesy of Blundstone // @blundstone_uk
Produced in partnership with Blundstone // @blundstone_uk
For further information and to learn more about our brand history and ethical and responsible
business practices, visit wellwornblundstone.com/uk