Rick Owens x Dr Marten Collaboration
To some, this collaboration might be a given considering both collaborators are highly influenced by punk rock culture. The two-part collaboration starts with Rick Owens interpretation of the iconic DM 1460 Bex Platform boot which has been modified to include large laces ‘inspired by skate culture and designed to represent order in chaos’. Rick Owens at some point, came to the conclusion that collaborations were just “hype machines”, but now recognises them as moments of community and unity that has positive effects, playing on designers and their past influences with one another. In this collaboration, an homage to Rick Owens teenage years where he became addicted to the structure of boots took place as an influence, as he liked the way the laces hold in and suffocate the boot, “almost like a corset between a muscled calf and a sturdy foot that acted as a stoic ballast which Dc Martens exemplify best.” If you are into Rick Owens or Dc Martens, this is the collaboration for you.
The Dc Martens x Rick Owens 1460 Bex Platform Boots
“My eternal struggle is trying to find balance between control and collapse.”
It’s a given that Dc Martens has a multitude of staples to play on due to it’s consistency and adaptability. With a recent surge into platform shoes, Dc Martens has capitalised on this demand by pushing for their raised platform boots, which have been a massive success. This level of adaptability but consistency is a motto that Rick Owens himself follows, making sure his garments are adaptable but have staying power. In doing so however, Rick Owens has softened in terms of commercial standpoints, as he recognises that he doesn’t have to have the last message when it comes to collaborations. Being a punk does not mean you have to excessively showcase that you are into punk rock. It’s a lifestyle choice that remains in your identity and business. Given the staple revamping of one of most favourite boots Dc Marten has to offer (and even his recent collaboration with converse, that saw a relatively same framework with the laces), it’s clear that Rick Owens knows how to erupt the scene. Both collaborations were met with quite substantial feedback from fans, either hating or loving it with no in-between.
For most however, this collaboration is a no-brainer and was well expected before it was announced. Dr Martens (and the Bex boot in particular) saw a surge in popularity within punk-grunge subcultures over the world in the 1990’s of which the designer was a part and which, in turn, have informed his own post-punk designs.
This boot will be retailing at £299, with the original boot being £167. For a collaboration with such an individual with a large reputation, this is relatively cheap given the markups in luxury fashion and the “long due” nature of interest. The first collaboration drops in March of 2021, followed by the second drop in May. In a dress release by Dc Marten, they concluded that “the 1460 Bex platform sole boot is bound with Owens’ signature dramatic lacing system and showcases the designers “enthusiasm for dark-glam drapery and polished brutalism, the collaboration is a two-part collection exploring Owens’ dark, underground aesthetic applied to a classic DM’s silhouette.”