The partnership between A-Cold-Wall* and Dr. Martens marks a significant collaboration between two influential entities in the industry of fashion and footwear. A-Cold-Wall*, often stylized as ACW*, is a contemporary fashion label that was founded by Samuel Ross in 2015. Dr. Martens, on the other hand, is an iconic British footwear brand with a rich history dating back to the mid-twentieth century. These two brands have joined forces to create a distinctive and innovative collection that blends the aesthetics of both brands.
After successfully launching the Fall/Winter 2022 collection, A-Cold-Wall* and Dr. Martens are back for their Spring/Summer 2023 offering. For this collection, the two brands revisited the 1461 Oxford shoe. The remodeled version of the 1461 Oxford shoe will be launched on May 25 at 15:00 BST exclusively through the A-Cold-Wall* official page and it will later be made available on the official page of Dr. Martens and other selected retailers on May 26.
A-Cold-Wall* x Dr. Martens 1461 Oxford shoe features Slate Grey nubuck leather
A-Cold-Wall* and Dr. Martens revisited the 1461 Oxford shoe for the upcoming season, Spring/Summer 2023 collection. The shoes were inspired by the architectural motifs that define working-class Britain and featured utilitarian touches that are synonymous with Samuel Ross‘ design language. The collaboration received positive reviews for its utilitarian design, with tinted stitching and co-branded insoles.
Showing off black and grey hues. the surprising smooth softness of the shoe's leather contrasts are crisp, with sculpted edges in the shoe's form. The shoe features a hidden ghillie lace-up fastening for a brutalist appearance and the logo is pressed into the heel counters alongside standard AirWear pull tabs. The design of the shoe is completed with semi-translucent rubber outsoles, colored stitching, and co-branded insoles.
The grey translucent rubber sole sits atop the shoe. The shoes' dynamic suede flaps, which are cut at acute angles to evoke modern building, surround the zipper enclosure. The shoes have gunmetal rivets, with tonal topstitching being used throughout. Finally, along with the yellow and black AirWair heel loop, Dr. Martens' signature yellow welt stitch gives these shoes a splash of color.
A-Cold-Wall* described the product as:
"Showcasing the Brutalist design language that has defined their collaborative output since the inaugural project in 2020, a new approach to materiality has been explored. Manifesting in a soft tumble-aged, water-resistant, nubuck leather, the ACW* 1461 Gehry Shoe continues to stand on a ridged, double-height rubber sole with a centralised zip fastening system."
The brand further added:
"Referencing A-COLD-WALL*’s industrial palette, the Slate Grey iteration has a translucent iced sole with tonal ecru welt stitching. Adorned on the heel is the ACW* branding applied in silver foiled print. Molded brutalist sidewalls and a centralised zip system further articulate an evolved interpretation of this classic silhouette."
The collaborative collection between these two labels showcases a range of footwear styles that reflect the unique sensibilities of both brands. Their creative process often incorporates unconventional materials, experimental textures, and architectural elements, resulting in a collection that challenges the traditional notions of footwear design.
The A-Cold-Wall* and Dr. Martens partnership exemplifies the fusion of fashion, subculture, and innovation. By combining their expertise, these two influential brands have created a collection that resonates with fashion enthusiasts, subcultures, and individuals seeking footwear that embodies both style and substance.