Dr. Martins has entered their gothic, alt-core dream world. That is, with the help of so-called fashion “lord of darkness” Rick Owens. The grunge designer collaborated with the classic shoe brand for their Fall/Winter 22 collection, conceiving two boot designs shrouded in steampunk edginess. A phase shift for Dr. Martins, the collection marks an embracing of the aesthetic, while maintaining its high-function design. 

The collection features two brand-new designs, each spotlighting that classic Rick Owens flair. Still, in upholding the collaborative spirit of the collection, both looks are inspired by the silhouettes of former Dr. Martens collections. The 1460 Quad RO Black Leather, which retails for $370, is the tamer of these two offerings. Built in a more scuffed, rugged leather than that iconic Dr. Marten black sheen, the 1460 elevates the standard Dr. Marten with an oversized tongue and chunky white laces. 

The collection’s other offering is a bit bolder, being the 1918 RO Platinum Hair-On Lux ($750). The towering silhouette is outfitted with platinum hair-on leather in a striking shade of white. A 2” Quad Retro sole gives the shoe a platform look, while wrap-around laces call back to themes of bondage. Ever present is that oversized tongue, but the already grand shoe means the tongue provides even more visual distance. The result is a statement piece of a shoe, one screams with the fashion sensibilities of Rick Owens. 

The new Dr. Martens x Rick Owens collection marks another addition to a growing fashion trend, being the presence of brutalism in the everyday. While grunge styling is by no means new, its reach is more universal in its diluted presence. These new Dr. Martens are certainly grungy, steampunk shoes, but still embrace everyday fashion utility. You could wear these shoes just about everywhere. In that way, what was once a sectioned-off trend for the more courageous dressers among us is becoming more universal, more accessible.