Dr Marten Comes To Town!

Words + Photos > Jennie Davies

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN’, ALTHOUGH FRANKLY I HOPE THEY STAY!

On Wednesday 12th June I was one of the lucky few invited to a special preview of the brand spanking new Dr. Martens Brighton store. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to learn that Brighton had been selected as the home for this iconic brand. I’m happy to report that it looks truly wonderful!

The shop is in the old Aubin & Wells premises in the South Laines, providing the perfect spot for the simple, versatile and stylish merchandiser. The exposed brickwork, chandeliers and large bay windows project an aesthetic that is totally complimentary to the goods on offer.

The evening consisted of an unveiling of incredible one-off artwork by local artist, Ben Duarri (AKA Screen Prince). The masterpiece takes pride of place behind the tills and is one of the first things you see when you walk in to the store. The artist has incorporated eyelets, laces and DM leather soles to portray the West Pier, plus lyrics from The Who’s “My Generation”, a fitting link between the shop and Brighton. You can see how his piece was made in the video below http://www.youtube.com/embed/am75Fz4QHdA

After being given the chance to peruse their wonderful wares, we were then taken to The Mesmerist where the party continued with music from Abi Wade and Physics House Band, DM tattoos from Emma Hirst, and appropriately flavoured ice cream from Boho Gelato. Chocolate and liquorice bootlace to be exact and it was delicious! The music was excellent. The organisers picked very well indeed, and I even walked away with one of Miss Wade’s totally brilliant mini-vinyl’s.

Even though this is the first ever Dr. Martens store to open in Brighton, it almost feels like they’ve been here for years. Just walking through The Laines you will spot many DM fans wearing the world-recognised boots, and there is the ever-lasting connection with Mod’s and Rockers who have a long history with Brighton. They have definitely come to the right place and I love that they are here.

As well as selling their classic boots you can also find their, ‘Made in England’ collection, made entirely in the UK and still manufactured in the Cobbs Lane factory in Wollaston, where the first Dr. Marten rolled off the production line in the 1960s.

The new doctors on the block can be found at 15b Prince Albert Street.