30/11/2007 Where once one had the makings of a young Picasso, the annals of time have reduced them to that of young toddler on an etch-a-sketch. This may sound like the ramblings of the menopausal; impotence hanging like an inevitable guillotine, but in reality my friends, we are but young. Dr. Martens on the other hand are still fighting fit against premature dementia; in fact you could say they’ve been going through a speedy resurgence, as popular now as in their hey-day. Hence why DM asked our generation to design a boot, the winner being picked to have their interpretation produced for the masses.
It’s funny how times change. 1960s architecture was seen as the epitome of modernism, a gateway into the future: chic, fashionable and cool. Not so in this day age, oh no; now many 1960s hybrids are viewed with as much disdain as a bout of diarrhoea. It was in the 1960s that DMs shot to premonition, and were first viewed as the counter-cultural footwear that would come to epitomise the brand. After all, we all know the 1960s were a period of transgression and rebellion… a time that would come to shape the attitude, creativity and opinions of the modern youth.
DMs have kept to their routes and in a sense the ‘ol faithful have enabled them to do so. After all they’re still very much a sub cultural fashion item. You wouldn’t find the purple-tin wielding chav stomping along in a pair of DMs now, would you? No; more likely a pair of pristine white trainers… See, DMs are as at home today with the garish garment of the nu-rave and Indie generation; zebra-skinned tanktops and garish purple leggings, as they were with the parka-clad Tommy in Quadrophenia.
The ‘ol boot… no, not the mother-in-law, but the mighty DM has changed with fashion, swinging and swaying like a dancers cock to the shapes and sounds of modern music. DMs are no longer the mere black boot of yesteryear, but in keeping with  the changing trends of society are available in alternate colours; with printed designs, in leather and suede. Like a stag do in Rossebuurt, every taste and style is catered for; every music genre feels comfortable in the company of the DM boot.
The DM boot design tool enabled users to design all manner of manifestations, and despite the competition being over, can still be used for your own personal interpretations. Some of the designs are staggering when you consider they were crafted with hand and mouse. A winner will be announced extremely soon, with voting ending on the 30th November.
To vote for your favourite boot or check out some of the top designs click here. |
