Dr. Martens; the icon of sub-culture, the embrace of the brash self-expression of youth and the primal urge to be different. This rich, British heritage sees a new flagship store right at the Capitol Piazza, all dressed up in raw brick walls, the quintessential Dr. Martens Jukebox and burgurndy Classic Chesterfield wing chairs reminiscent of a typical British Show and Boot shop.
Local music heroes, Pleasantry and Gareth Fernandez were first to perform their best at the 150sq ft. music stage unique to the store during the opening on 2 July 2015. Music has always been the brand’s cultural lynchpin, and this stage will continue to host intimate music gigs and interview sessions with international and home-grown bands soon to come.
The opening night also saw the first customization corner (hopefully more to come, like those in U.S. and U.K.) by local artists Kaiyee Tay and Mary Bernadette. They brought their signature brand of quirk and beauty onto the smooth leather of Dr. Martens boots and bags that night for guests. I, myself, being a self-proclaimed collector, brought down my Big Box Suitcase in black for Kaiyee to give it a little update.
Mary then gave my new pair of Belle Black Noir some of her punk-rock doodles on the front. This may all be the start of a new tradition at the flagship store. For now, I am happy enough if they would just bring in the metallic stud screws for the eyelets.
Besides housing the newest of their collections, there will a section dedicated to their premium “Made in England” range. The design and detailing is more than just a limited edition hype. These shoes are taken straight from the home of Dr. Martens, a.k.a. the original Cobbs Lane Factory in Wollaston England. Within this small factory is a close-knit team schooled in traditional shoe-making responsible for every stitch on this luxurious range that has been almost absent in Singapore.
The store has another corner dedicated to Dr. Martens Kids footwear for infants (1 – 18 months) and juniors (2 – 7 years old). Classic attributes of the original and well-known silhouettes are dressed up for kids, in either neon leopard prints or Dennis the Menace. My hope of finding a pair of Adventure Time collaboration boots were shattered, but I could live with Dennis the Menace – if I squeeze hard enough.
I have been waiting for this day for a long, long time. To me, this flagship store is more than just another retail shop, it is a new destination for fans of the classic 8-eyelet to independent music. Singapore has finally joined the ranks of Dr. Martens stores in other major cities worldwide, including New York, London and more, in offering a unique experience of combining brand heritage and what it stands for.
Dr. Martens Flagship Store is located at Capitol Piazza #B1-31, 13 – 17 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905.
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
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