Saturday 29 May 2010

Polka dots on my feet

Falling head over welted soled heels for these polka dot Dr Martens.

To help document the fiftieth anniversary of the first pair of Dr. Martens being produced at the Griggs factory in the village of Wollaston, the iconic shoe brand invited a few bloggers (including the lovely Disney Roller Girl, Dapper Kid, The Clothes Whisperer) up to the factory. In addition to offering you guys a little factory porn, I was able to take a sneak peek at the AW10 collection. Despite hitting fifty, Dr Martens have been making a proactive effort to expand their brand offering and I was blown away by the variety of styles on offer. There are now some two hundred and fifty different models, from golden to fuscia, floral to custom patterned. Since taking over at the creative helm, Andrew Bunney and Tommy Heng have really helped move the brand to move forward with new make ups and styles. While excitedly poring over the latest models I fell head over welted soled heels for a pair of purple polka dot lace ups but unfortunately for me they were one of the jewels of the women's line. The initial disappointed must have been written all over my face because Andrew and Tommy quickly came over to me. Rather than console me and attempt to turn my affections elsewhere the pair decided that they could make my latest dreams come true as they declared that they would embark on creating a special version in my size. At the time I have to confess to being a little doubtful that anything would come of my fancy but less than two months later, the pair have been realised and cheer up my feet...

1461 3-Eye shoes in Purple/Black Flocked Polka Dots by Dr. Martens worn with purple jeans from Uniqlo.

Tommy explained that the product team at Dr Martens are also huge fans of polka dots and have been experimenting with flocking techniques for some time. The result is something quite special. Made all the more special because they are (currently) entirely unique. You might think that I'm wearing a girls shoe in a larger size but you'd be wrong. Instead of using the women's DML comfort last the Dr Martens team have made my shoes on the 84 last. The 84 is unisex and is much narrower and has a slightly more pointed toe.

Polka Dot Dr. Martens worn with Comme des Garcons suit jacket, white club collar shirt by Bespoken and purple jeans from Uniqlo.

As one of the founding members of the Polka Dot Gang (EJ is the other) these shoes make me incredibly happy. In addition to adding much needed colour to my ever expanding shoe collection, they also add a sense of fun. Every time I look at the flocked polka dots I will let out a wry smile and will remember just how special they are...


A close up of the flocked polka dot uppers. These special shoes will be available in store at the end of June but only in women's sizes...for now atleast

11 comments:

Unknown said...

OMG I want some...

Pınar said...

They are just so lovely! Most men would probably say "NEVER!!!" about them. :) Why are those men so scared to do something they percieve as "out of the line", when it is perfectly normal and challenging. I hope you'll have many pleasent memories wearing those gorgeous shoes!

Style Salvage Steve said...

Tom: Hopefully Dr Martens will release something similar in the coming seasons!
Pinar: Thank you! They are a little more outlandish than my usual shoe choices but that's precisely the reason why I like them so much. Writing this blog has certainly helped me push and develop my own style.

Iñaki said...

They are beautiful!! I want the limited-edition Gucci polka dot noes Mark Ronson designed. They are über-cool.

Kate Rose said...

Hope this doesn't come out sounding too strange but your blog (almost) makes me wish I were a guy ahaha.
I love the way you inject such color and vivacity into classic looks

this further convinces me that I need to save up for a pair of doc martens

emily said...

these are amazing! love how you've paired them up

i live near wollaston...it'd slipped my mind that the factory was still there!

Style Salvage Steve said...

inaki: You can do no wrong with polka dots.
Kate Rose: ha, not strange at all. I welcome such sentiments!
emily: Thanks! You should try and pop down if you can. I was fortunate enough to see a shoe being made and loved the experience.

Matthew Spade said...

this is it isn't it! they look amazing....i'm getting a modern day take on a teddy boy for sure.

love that you put them with the purple trousers and the blazer too. this is one of my fav outfits yet.

Disneyrollergirl.net said...

Brilliant, they look amazing. And I must agree that Tommy and Andrew have done absolute wonders for Dr Martens.

A Man Fashion said...

Wow!! this is lovely... :) Dr. Martens is always one of my top selection!

Anonymous said...

hi steve ----post a same polka dot shoes on my blog---

i love your blog!!!!

juan, Kuala Lumpur

http://juanthegarage.blogspot.com/

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