Dr. Martens
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, at OhWowYouWoreThat we are lovers of collaborations and absolutely adore it when creative minds combine and create objects and create items that are unlike anything before. One company that I have been paying attention to lately for their amazing collaborations is the iconic British footwear brand, Dr. Martens. Known for their distinct look and for what they represent, “Docs” often represent a particular moment, a particular style and a particular statement, all which revolve around the creativity and the self-expression that this company creates and that which their wearers embody. What is truly unique about this brand is the amount of people who wear them and the eclectic nature of its wearers. Originally worn by “workers” such as postmen, policemen and construction workers, this brand has gone on to be worn by artists, fashionistas, school children, executives and the like.
That is why it is so exciting to speak about not one, not two, but three fantastic collaborations that they were a part of; the first of such being with the House of A. Sauvage. The House of A. Sauvage consists of four different styles for men and women which features re-workings of the traditional oxford styles through the employment of patent and patina leather as well as A. Sauvage’s signature woven Kente silk. Dr. Marten’s have admittedly been a long part of Sauvage’s personal wardrobe which is why each piece in the new collection was paid extra special attention to which has allowed for the creation of a new and sophisticated take on the iconic shoes with the bouncing soles.
The second collaboration that I adored between Dr. Marten’s and another existing brand was that between them and Pendleton. Pendleton, rooted deeply in the Oregon landscape brought something to Dr. Marten’s that I hadn’t seen before, and seemed like such a natural fit. Using exclusive Pendleton woven jacquard pattern called “Pasoga Springs” this mix brings the iconic 8-hole boot to new levels with a comfy and cozy wool panel on each side. I was interested to find out what the pattern and the name given to it meant. The design was actually inspired by a legend, which revolves around a deadly plague, which affected the Ute Indian Tribe. It is said that they were all mysteriously cured when they gathered around the banks of the San Juan River, which they then named, “Pagosah” which translates to healing waters. Also, the four-cornered element of the pattern itself is meant to represent the Four Corners of Colorado. And if a great boot and a great story were not enough, for those who like to match, there is even a matching Dr. Marten’s satchel offered in the same pattern finished in either black or cherry red leather, just like the boots offered.
Finally, the last collaboration with Dr. Marten’s was one that brought the iconic British brand together with another British icon in her own right, world-renowned model and fashion innovator Agyness Deyn. To quote Deyn on her desire for the collaboration, “I have always had a really intense relationship with Dr. Martens, right from my first pair back when I was 13, which I bought as a combination of showing that I wanted to rebel against my parents and they were the coolest boots that I could get away with wearing to school which stood for something that gave me my own stamp of originality.” This line contains clothing, footwear as well as accessories and takes inspiration from both the brand as well as Aggy’s personal heritage. It is quite evident that her style as well as pop culture references from different fields such as film, music, television and style influence the line. In order to get her true touch on this line, Aggy worked very closely with Dr. Martens creative time which not only shows her true desire to make this collaboration happen, but has allowed for pieces that combine a grunge aesthetic with a more modern style, quality prints and little pops of color. What is the best part of this collection? It has been made so you can dress it up or dress it down, and they work separately as amazing pieces or can be worn together for a chic tomboy look.
Overall Dr. Martens collaborations this year have been absolutely amazing, and are making me want to go out and buy a pair of my own. Seeing as I have never owned a pair in my life, I think it is time for me to go out and get a pair. With this many great choices though, I honestly don’t see it being just one.