Combining premium materials with longstanding manufacturing techniques, Dr Martens’ Crafted collection is the ultimate embodiment of the brand’s shoemaking legacy. Always proud of its English heritage, this season sees the iconic brand teaming up with two of the finest cloth and silk manufacturers in the UK: Stephen Walters and Sons, who have been in the silk trade since 1720; and Martin Sons & Co of Huddersfield, who have been produciing English woollens and silk twists from 1840. The result is a collection of Crafted footwear composed of beautifully produced fabrics, patterns and materials that will thrill the fashion-forward gent. True to its roots, all the products within the Crafted range are produced in England at the Dr. Martens factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, which has been making footwear since 1901 and Dr Martens shoes since 1960.
The collection includes the 3-Eye Percy shoe with uppers made of superfine merino wool from the mills of Martin Sons & Co as well as navy silk from Stephen Walters and Sons. For men who enjoy their classics with a twist, the 3989 Brogue Shoe gets jazzed up in a number of show-stopping colourways that combine oxblood calf leather and striped silk as well as bold tri-colour metallics that show off the shoe’s punch-hole detailing. Out of the lot, our favourite has to be Anthony Brogue Boot in black calf leather that features a subtle strip of navy silk. It’s rugged and versatile with that little bit of delicious detail to remind us of the work and time-honoured expertise that goes into every pair.
The Dr Martens Crafted Collection is available at Dr Martens, #02-17A Wheelock Place, tel. 6737 6278 and Front Row, #02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, tel. 6224 5501
