Dr. Martens Still Going Strong: An Ode to My Not-So-Punk-Rock Youth
- adrienne490
- Feb 27, 2017
- 4 min read
Sometime last autumn I found myself on the Dr. Martens website, the infamous footwear brand that I haven’t run across in quite some time. I was very happy to see that the company was not only still around, but clearly growing and expanding, just as relevant and celebrated as it was some 50 plus years ago.
Dr. Martens (or Doc Martens as it would be usually pronounced) began as a humble orthopedic-style shoe in 1945, with its creator inventing the first air-cushioned sole. The shoe evolved into a utilitarian, working man’s boot and from there became a symbol of both musical and cultural revolution, co-opted first by the Brit rockers of the 60′s (The Who) and then the punk rock movement of the 70′s (The Sex Pistols).
A born Anglophile, I was a huge fan of both the British Invasion rockers and the new wave of alt-rockers of the early 80′s. I was obsessed with bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, and The English Beat. Of course, us New Yorkers had our punk scene as well, in Blondie and the Ramones, etc. As a suburban kid, living a very comfortable upper-middle class life, I was very much an outsider to this world, but one way to form some link to my musical heroes was through a pair of Doc Martens.
Finally, I got my first pair right after college, just as I began living in NYC, on my own for the first time. They were a basic pair of black Classics and I wore them with everything. I cherished them, and in return, they gave me some hardcore edginess when I was anything but. But as my wardrobe became more corporate over time, my Docs moved further and further back into the recesses of my closet and eventually, into the Goodwill bin.
Fast forward all these years and I was awestruck by the variety of styles now available for men, women, and kids. The first pair I saw that I knew I had to own was the Holly in Black Patent Leather (shown above). My very first thought when I saw them was, I can totally wear these!!
The Holly ($145) starts its design foundation from your basic Dr. Marten classic shoe and then mixes it up with the thick sole of the current creeper craze in both shoes and sneakers (see Puma’s FentyxRihanna collection).
In my mind, I instantly styled them with my Black Lace Blouse by Eloquii. The satin ribbon lacing of the Holly perfectly echoes the black ribbon lacing of the blouse, a sweet, romantic touch to what could be a very masculine looking shoe. Add some slashed-up black skinny jeans and a few strands of pearls and I think it’s perfect. A punk poetess princess!
A pair of boots I then spied were amazing! The Persephone Buttaro, available in both Black and Shiraz, as shown below, ($160) has a gorgeous silhouette with a stacked heel, beautiful stitching and detailing, and a lug sole that makes them both practical and fashion-forward at the same time. The deep, rich burgundy leather is stunning and so rich looking. There is now an open-toe option as well, which looks so rad.
While the pricing may seem high, you are paying for both style and craftsmanship, a shoe or boot that is actually both good for your feet and is designed to last for many years. Uppers and sole are not glued together, but sewn and then heat-welded, much like a tire. Most styles are waterproof. This is quality that’s worth paying for in my book.
If you are in need of something a bit more “conservative,” I love the Adrian Black + White ($130). It takes the best of a classic loafer design and gives it just a bit of an edge to let people know that you are no Muffy to be messed with.
I love the black and white color combo - making the look even more current - and the fringe, the contrast stitching, but most especially, the little tassels. It’s the perfect mash-up of preppy and punk! Wear these with some black and white windowpane checkered culottes and a crisp white shirt. Classic and cool.
Something new and unique for spring is Doc's line of white soled footwear. A standout is the Jemima Blizzard Rave in Coronet Blue and Tan ($120, below). It gives a nod to the current craze for athletic wear, while staying true to Dr. Marten's iconic DNA styling of the air-cushioned sole and the heel loop. I love the kiltie detail up front. Wearing them must be like having two giant blue marshmallows enveloping your feet.
One last look that I had to share is the Di Paolo Pascal boot ($150). This stunningly unique, limited-edition boot is adorned with scenes from The Annunciation, a 15th-century painting attributed to Renaissance painter Di Paolo that depicts archangel Gabriel handing a lily to the Virgin Mary.
“Religion meets counter-culture,” according to DM’s website.
I think any woman who gives a pair of Dr. Martens a try will be amazed at how they can “revolutionize” both her wardrobe and her attitude towards dressing. A pair of Docs could truly be the wardrobe "re-boot" you didn't know you needed, or could pull off. There may be a punk princess lurking somewhere inside that you never knew existed! Let your rebel flag fly.
Comments