Polka Dots

Back in March, Dr. Martens were kind enough to invite a number of bloggers up to their headquarters and factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire to celebrate their 50th Anniversary (click here for my original post). As well as a look at the upcoming campaign and factory tour we were given a glimpse of the upcoming Fall 2010 collection. The sheer diversity of styles and designs on offer were surprising to say the least, and my eyes (and hands) were drawn in all different directions. From florals to patent leathers to tassel loafers, there was quite the selection that I found enticing.

As I walked around and looked at all the designs that the collection had to offer I kept returning to the same shelf. That shelf proudly boasted a number of flocked polka dot 1461 shoes and 1460 boots. As much as I love floral patterning, there was something about the polka dots and the tactility of the flocking that had me entranced (as it did Steve). The all black soles across the range meant that the typical 49 yellow stitches, the number is constant across all sizes and designs, were replaced instead by matching black stitches, creating quite the unique and unexpected profile. Technically from the women's collection, my disappointment was quickly dissipated when I discovered that my shoe size could be accommodated.

Polka dots have always held a certain charm for me, being at once both visually interesting and comfortably evocative of childhood. Whilst a polka dot tie can add an unexpected twist to a suit, or a polka dot sweater create a statement, there is an impact to polka dot footwear in particular that is wonderfully unique. Bold footwear has always been something that I find exciting, however it is for the majority of everyday menswear an underutilized detail. A pair of well crafted black leather derby shoes are certainly a good and necessary option, however for me a pair of bottle green derby shoes with inky blue soles are that extra touch more interesting.


(A special thanks to everyone over at Dr. Martens and the team at Exposure)

Currently playing: Wine Up On Me - Zoeleah

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