The grunge look of the early ’90s may be making a comeback, as iconic footwear company Dr. Martens launches its first clothing collection for men and women, reports Vogue.
The 2011 spring-summer collection includes workman styles for both sexes. Like the rugged boots the company is best known for, the clothing is inspired by the style and look of British blue-collar workers. The utilitarian fashion range includes shirts, sweatshirts and dresses in simple, straightforward styles.
The men’s collection offers a selection of button-down shirts and T-shirts with prints or patterns of plaid, gingham, stripes and checks. Womenswear does not stray far from the classics either, offering masculine-style shirts and long shirt-dresses.
The new items are already available in stores and on the drmarten.com website. T-shirts retail for about $50-$60, while the shirt-dresses are priced around $100.
The original Dr. Martens boot first came into existence in 1945. After injuring his foot while skiing in the Bavarian Alps, Dr Klaus Maertens designed the air-cushioned sole to provide some relief and make walking easier during his recovery.
In 1960, commercial production began and the first classic cherry red eight-eyelet workboots were sold. They quickly became popular with ‘mods’, members of one of the world’s first youth subcultures. Since then, they have grown into icons for many counterculture movements throughout the years, including skinheads, goths and punks.