Rather than overloading this post with everything that took my fancy, I thought I would split my commentary into two parts. Today I would like to focus on the models from the mens collection (although as you will no doubt discover in my next post, the gender divide is quite fluid in terms of what I would personally wear!). The first thing that struck me was the sheer number of designs, ranging from suede brogues, to tassel loafers, to desert boots, to climbing boots. Indeed it is the diversity of the label which affords it such wide appeal and cultural standing. I must admit however that whilst I enjoyed the classic pieces, I was more drawn to the newer directions taken.
I found the 'Worn' range, pictured towards the fore of the picture plane above, rather interesting. Dr. Martens have traditionally been famous for requiring a few weeks to break in when new - "they hurt like a b*tch for the first three weeks, but then it's like heaven". Part of the process and tradition is breaking in your boots and slowly wearing them in so that each crease and scuff tells your personal story. Of course some people simply want results from the box, and I suppose that was the intention of the line. I have never been a fan of overly pre-distressed clothing or footwear, but I must admit that it had a certain appeal.
Mention "Dr. Martens" to someone and they will usually picture the black or oxblood 1460 boots. However Dr. Martens have been branching out into the wider colour spectrum for quite a while now to great affect (I still want to buy a pair of the monochrome bright reds!). I really did like how the black and white boots popped with a loud sole and matching laces, they provided just the right amount of colour.
At first glance, and indeed touch, these boots feel like canvas. They are remarkably however leather made to feel like canvas. Using performance leather that was embossed and treated, these boots have a lightweight, waterproof and casual feel, which comes in a variety of colours. The all white soles and laces provided a fresh streetwear edge, and it certainly was an interesting direction to take.
The range of desert boots with their wedge soles were also nice to see. I particularly liked the soft brown leather pair with the white crepe soles. It was interesting to see desert boots with such a prominent welted sole, especially when compared to the offerings by Clarks. I think the wedge sole really made the profile, for they would not have had the same impact with a regular sole. I think that the soles would certainly look better after some wear.
The Vintage Made In England range was a nice heritage touch for the collection and I found myself drawn particularly towards the Cappers. They had a certain Steampunk quality about them with their prominent stitching and polished eyelets. The piped lip was also a nice touch. I feel the need to wear them with a tweed waistcoat, pocketwatch and monocle (I would actually seriously love that).
In testament to the diversity of Dr. Martens were a pair of traditional oxblood tassel loafers, which although slightly on the chunky side for me (darn my skinny legs) were rather attractive.
High quality velvet Dr. Martens? Where's my silk paisley robe and pipe?! I would be too scared to wear them outside lest they get damaged, but I thought they were absolutely beautiful.
The highlight of the mens collection for me, alongside the amazing velvet range of Dr. Martens, were this pair of strapped white boots with a contrasting black sole and customary yellow stitching. I immediately thought of Martin Margiela, and got to thinking of designs that would appear were the two to collaborate (if you are reading Dr. Martens or Margiela, please make it happen).
Please do be sure to come back tomorrow to see the womens range and my personal favourites!
Currently playing: All Cats Are Grey - The Cure
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