DR. MARTENS X PRIDE

As part of its ongoing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, Dr. Martens celebrates Pride 2023 by partnering with three artists who have redesigned the brand’s iconic models, creating a limited edition collection.

Pride is a vital component of Dr. Martens’ history and culture. It is never confined to a single month or a corporate obligation. This year, the brand continues to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with the theme of «creativity and community.» They collaborate with three artists to transform three boots into canvases for self-expression.

The first release of the collection is a collaboration with Japanese zine creator Fuyuki Kanai, who explores queer relationships in their manga-inspired illustrations. Fuyuki uses their creations to challenge toxic concepts of masculinity and harmful stereotypes, a struggle in which Dr. Martens proudly takes part.

Fuyuki has drawn upon their sensitivity to «create a design with a manga touch.» The minimalist black and white color scheme allows anyone to identify with the illustrations of queer individuals in everyday situations, offering a completely inclusive design approach. The boot is finished with a striking burst of red on the welt stitching, eyelets, and AirWair loop strap.

For the second release, artist, illustrator, and radical dreamer Loveis Wise has reinvented the eight-eyelet Jadon boot, which they describe as «a must-have for a young punk.» Their thoughtful artistic vision explores the lives of trans and non-binary people of color to increase their representation.

The Loveis Wise For Pride Jadon boot is designed for the dance floor. Over Dr. Martens’ classic black Smooth leather, the artist added joyful and inclusive designs using a dreamy color palette of green, blue, and pink. The boot also features a disco ball pendant and is finished with a loop strap and the essential yellow welt stitching.

Lastly, Wednesday has redesigned the traditional 1460 boot as a symbol of queer happiness. The anthropomorphized illustrations include the trans symbol and an inclusive Pride flag, along with their characteristic positive messages on the back of each 8-eye boot. Made with the renowned black and white Smooth leather and set on the brand’s classic sole, it features black and white laces, the iconic yellow welt stitching, and the DM’s heel tab.

words: Blanca Serrano