Dr Martens continues its collaboration streak, and its latest collaboration is a “material response and celebration of Nine Inch Nails’ groundbreaking album.”
The Downward Spiral collection comes 30 years after the album’s release, with the label describing it as still standing as a “soaring cultural landmark.”
The shoe collection takes their spirit and artwork and applies it to a selection of popular DMs styles, including one that’s only available to “passionate fans” and not for sale directly (more on that later).
Why this album and this band? Dr. Martens said: “Hailed as a masterpiece since its arrival, this confronting soundscape explores some of the darkest themes and records a descent that threatens to overwhelm with an abrasive stripping away of the central character’s beliefs, thoughts, and ego, leaving only a starkly exposed vulnerability. Intense and immersive. Fierce and transcendent. A deeply personal musical statement that has connected with millions of listeners. A cathartic exploration of the inevitable void that results from self-destructive behavior.”
Exciting stuff. But how does that translate into footwear? The company added: “Few artists can claim to have created something born out of desperation that resonates so powerfully with such a massive audience. This venerable musical icon is celebrated with the unique DM Collection. Paying homage to the darkness that gives birth to light, we use some of Doc’s most powerful silhouettes.
“This collaboration makes perfect sense,” said Nine Inch Nails Creative Director John Crawford. “Not only because of the countless fans I’ve seen wearing Dr Martens boots at NIN concerts over the years (myself included), but because NIN and Dr Martens are known for rejecting convention and expectation in favor of innovation, with a distinct ability to transcend genres and styles in a way that is unique to each person who experiences it.
“The goal was always to make this collection feel as authentically Nine Inch Nails as possible, and I think by working closely with the team at Doc’s we succeeded in doing that.”
The collection will release next Friday (July 19) and will be available on drmartens.com as well as through select partners.
The 1460 features Russell Mills’ “Wound” album art. Reimagined in black and white, each 8-eye boot features multiple fastening options, including a branded ankle zipper and a removable front zipper. The boot features a rubber rim and toe cap “for an industrial look and tactile contrast to the soft leathers of the upper. Set on a sturdy tread sole and secured with black-on-black welt stitching. Finished with an AirWair heel loop and nods to NIN and Downward Spiral throughout.”
Meanwhile, the Three-Eyed 1461 features a NIN-embossed rubber toe cap, paired with DM’s classic black Smooth and Backhand leathers used to construct the upper. It’s “enhanced with the iconic ‘Crystal Teeth’ image from the album’s interior art and a ‘Downward Spiral’ printed in subtle glitter.” It sits on a pure black BEN outsole with Doc’s traditional yellow stitching.
The 1490 is the Doc Ten-Eyed. In homage to NIN’s “uninhibited live performances,” (there’s) a custom print inspired by the band’s pre-show ritual of covering themselves in cornstarch for a decadent, post-apocalyptic aesthetic. It’s crafted from black and white Backhand leather and features an ankle zipper that snakes through the inner ankle with branded metal hardware. It sits on an icy Commando leather outsole secured with black and white double-stitching and is finished with a monochromatic heel loop and a pair of laces wrapped around the shoe.
As we mentioned, to complete the offer, there’s an “extra special edition” 1490 in leather featuring Downward Spiral album art in pure black. This version isn’t available for purchase, but we’re told that “some of the band’s most diehard fans will receive a pair as a gift. A fitting tribute to the unique bond shared by the band and those who have supported them for decades.”
All rights reserved © 2024 FashionNetwork.com.