Dr. Martens has reunited with experimental British streetwear label A-COLD-WALL* for a Spring/Summer ’23 footwear collaboration that remixes one of Dr. Martens’ most iconic silhouettes.
Dr. Martens and A-COLD-WALL* share the latest expression of their well-honed creative partnership. Showcasing the design language that has defined their collaborative output since they first connected in 2020.
Precise lines. Monochromatic starkness. A strong foundation. Over three years of creative partnership, the capsule collections from Dr. Martens and A-COLD-WALL* have established a distinctive design lineage. Brutalist interpretations of utilitarian silhouettes.
Defined by an architectural severity that reflects the working-class Britain of ACW* founder Samuel Ross’s childhood. This latest drop is no different. The two brands revisit a silhouette first introduced in AW21 – reappraised with new leather whose unexpected silky softness contrasts the sharp moulded edges of the shoe’s design.
The reimagined 1461 shoe is available in black or grey Nubuck WP – a soft, water-resistant, tumbled nubuck. Both colors stand on an elevated Bex outsole. The grey shoe has a translucent Iced sole with tonal ecru welt stitching, and the black shoe has a smoke sole with signature DM’s yellow stitching. The silhouette is marked with silver rivet detailing, and the laces have been replaced with a central zip with an ACW* branded puller. The signature DM’s heel loop appears in tonal shades with a yellow script.
The campaign features furniture curator Jenna Fletcher, whose brand Oswalde is breaking down barriers in the world of antiques and uplifting underrepresented young designers. Dropping at A-COLD-WALL* the 25th of May, followed by drmartens.com & selected partners on the 26th of May 2023.
DR. MARTENS
https://www.drmartens.com
The first pair of Dr. Martens boots rolled off the production line on the 1st April 1960. With its trademark yellow stitch, grooved sole and heel-loop, it was a boot for workers, initially worn by postmen and policemen; comfortable, durable and lightweight in comparison to its competitors at the time.
Throughout Dr. Martens history, the brand has been adopted and subverted by diverse individuals, musicians, youth cultures and tribes. These are the people who stand out from the crowd and their journey of self-expression has always been accompanied by a pair of DM’s.
The simple silhouette allows people to customise each pair; whilst on a utilitarian level their famous durability and comfort make them ideal footwear for the world of gigs and street fashion. On an emotional level, they are a flag of attitude and empowerment.
The Northamptonshire factory where it all began still exists to this day, in the village of Wollaston. A specific range of ‘Made In England’ products are manufactured here by a small, close-knit team of people schooled in traditional shoe-making and a process that hasn’t changed since our first pair six decades ago.
A-COLD-WALL*
https://a-cold-wall.com
A-COLD-WALL* exists within a conceptual space bordered by atypical contemporary design, citified cultural influence and audio/visual implementation. A theme of stark urbanity is woven into the DNA of A-COLD-WALL. Dr Samuel Ross’ distinctly multidisciplinary vision is present in handcrafted graphic garments and silhouettes untethered by the need for symmetry. A-COLD-WALL blurs the line between materials and fabrics – fashion and the arts – and continues its conceptual trajectory.
All images courtesy of Dr. Martens.
Tags: 2023, A-COLD-WALL*, architectural, boots, capsule collection, casualwear, collaborations, design, design icons, designers, Dr. Martens, fashion, fashion and lifestyle, fashion icons, fashion store, footwear, Jenna Fletcher, Leather, models, monochromatic, must have, nubuck, Oswalde, shoes, Spring, streetwear, Summer, Summer 2023, Top, trends, trendsetters
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