Icon Of The Week: Dr. Martens
Before I start, I have to tell you all how badly I wanted to celebrate Dr. Martens as an icon, perhaps even when I first joined TiC. But I refused to do so because I had staunchly planned to write it while wearing a pair. My friends, it gives me the greatest pleasure to say I am able to do so today!
The Dr. Martens brand is most famous for their line of footwear. You might fondly refer to them as Doc Martens or Docs. You also might recognise them from a mile away thanks to their distinct black laced-up high tops and air-cushioned soles.
These Bouncing Soles were developed by one Klaus Martens, a doctor in the German army during World War II. In 1945, he injured his ankle skiing, and altered his standard-issue army boots to make his recuperation a little more comfortable with soft leather and air-padded soles.
When the Germans were looting valuables from their own cities after the war ended, Martens instead took leather from a cobbler's shop to produce more pairs of boots with the same air-cushioned soles.
Martens then joined forces with an old friend, Dr. Herbert Funck in Munich in 1947. The two went into business, and found their product a huge hit with housewives. It wasn't until 1959 when they looked to British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group Ltd to market their footwear internationally. It was Griggs who added Docs' now iconic yellow stitching and trademarked the boots' soles as AirWair. It was also Griggs who introduced the boots to their now iconic clientele of skinheads and punks.
Docs never really became a full-blown frenzy, though it did establish itself as an alternate staple for decades to come. It was consistently worn and appreciated by the underground scene, right up to the 1990s when it symbolised grunge. In fact, if you ask me, I reckon they inspired Marc Jacobs's line for Perry Ellis in 1993.
You might also remember them on Claire Danes in My So Called Life and Daria circa 1993.
Much like your standard pair of Converse All Stars, Docs also played an influential role to the music and fashion scene. Which explains their campaign for perpetual iconism, with deceased musicians rocking pairs of Docs even in heaven.
But like I said earlier, Docs were always considered as an alternate staple. It wasn't until early this year that they became a full-blown trend. Isn't it funny how trends come in a full chronological circle? We revisited the hippy '70s, the '80s with leggings and neon, and now we're headed toward '90s punk and grunge! Sorry, I digress! Anyway, here's who's been picking up on the trend!
Daisy Lowe, Sienna Miller and Selena Gomez
Daisy Lowe, Agyness Deyn and Emma Roberts
That Agyness Deyn seriously loves her Docs. Let me show you how much.
Henry Holland, Dakota Fanning and Pixie Lott
What's amazing is that the shoes they're rocking, was actually the first Dr. Martens boots design to be released in the UK! They're known as style 1460, because they came out on 1 April 1960. It was initially introduced in cherry-red Nappa leather.
Which is why I thought it be fitting I got myself the design in patent red this season! Honestly, Docs are quite the splurge; I got mine for over RM500. But I knew I had to get them once I smelled a hint of a trend because I had them as a kid, and always remembered them as the comfiest (and coolest) things my feet ever knew. In fact, I'm actually writing this post in my pair!
But of course, they also currently come in a multitude of other colours.
So what say you? How do you feel about Docs? If you're getting a pair (or already have one), you might want to read Yushan's post for a little styling inspiration!
[Photo Credits: freepeople, simonrasmussen, adsoftheworld, theinspirationroom, lefthandedtype, madmazelle, collegefashion, fabsugar, ammomag, sterlingstyle, adoredaustin, theninefortynine, polyvore, concreteloop, glamourmagazine, idomdesigns, fashion-style, fashionista, elleuk, photobucket,
