ICONS OFF DUTY: A Personal Take on Dr. Martens Classics

There are people who get dressed and people who really love getting dressed. Our fashion editor Nicole Atieno definitely belongs to the latter. Having spent years travelling the world as a successful international model before becoming a stylist, she knows fashion from both sides of the camera. For her, fashion is about experimenting, following an instinct, trying something unexpected and sometimes discovering that the best look is the one you never planned.

It’s an attitude that fits perfectly with Dr. Martens’ new global brand platform, With Bouncing Soles. The phrase has been part of the brand since the first 1460 boot launched in 1960, but this season, Dr. Martens is giving it a more personal meaning. Alongside cultural icons Chloë Sevigny, Jordan Stephens and Naomi Watanabe, the brand asks a simple question: What makes your sole bounce? For Chloë, it’s following her curiosity wherever it takes her. For Jordan, it’s the power of words. And for Naomi, it’s making people laugh.

For Nicole, it’s the creative freedom of putting together a look. So we gave her five Dr. Martens classics in their new Crazy Horse leather and let her do what she does best. With one little twist: this time, she wasn’t just the stylist, but the model, too. Choosing, combining and wearing every look herself, she turned the Crazy Horse styles into her own personal fashion story.

From the iconic 1460 boot and 1461 shoe to the Adrian loafer, 2976 Chelsea boot and 8065 Mary Jane, these are shoes with plenty of history and even more room for interpretation. The Crazy Horse leather develops a unique patina over time, picking up little traces of wherever life takes you. Which, when you think about it, is a pretty good metaphor for personal style.

After all, the best outfits aren’t necessarily the most perfect ones. They’re the ones that feel like you. And sometimes all it takes to get inspired is a really good pair of shoes.