Do these ‘Uh-Oh’s millennials’ think they got style? If so, have they any idea where it comes from? We’re taking it back to the swinging sixties, to revisits the origins of some of our streetwear favourites.
Dr Martens – 1960
Bill Griggs came from a long line of Northampton shoe makers dating back from 1901. In the late 1950s he discovered a German-designed boot. The technology behind the sole was designed by Dr. Martens. Griggs liked the security and comfort the shoes had to offer and invested in an exclusive license and brought the technology over to Britain. Before dropping the first evolution of Dr.Martens, he then added his own twist to them by adding yellow stitching, the branded heel loop and the two-tone grooved sole edge.
The steel-toe cap inside the boots suggested they were intended for builders and factory workers who needs protection for their feet. By the 1970s rebel youths were ripping the leather on the front of their ‘Docs’ right off! Revealing the metal caps in the front of their shoes. At this point they weren’t just shoes they were a way of a countercultural life. Bands such as the Sex Pistols and The Clash went to bed in their Dr. Martens.
Now:
What’s changed? Well, since the release of the Sex Pistols’ collaboration with the brand – not much! Dr.Martens x Sex Pistols collection released on 1 February and is still available to purchase now!
The North Face – 1968
When you think of the The North Face brand, you’re probably picturing snowy mountain tops and ski-resorts. The last place you would associate them with is a beach…right? But yes, their journey started in San Francisco’s North Beach! Founders Douglas Tompkins and Susie Tompkins Buellin opened a small shop which sold equipment for high-performance climbing and backpacking – how ironic!
Through the 60s, The North Face began sponsoring expeditions which further increased the brand’s popularity. By the early 80s, they dominated the ski world, offering fluorescent gear which was the trend in sports wear, together with streetwear fashion trends (neons, hair dye, and mohawks). By the end of the decade, they were the only supplier in the U.S to offer an inclusive range of products for ski culture such as sleeping bags.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqhYjhllJxf/
Now:
The North Face brand has become one of the main staples in urban fashion. Thanks to London’s reputation for bad weather, you don’t have to plan an expensive getaway to Val Thorens (French alps) before you can rock one of these warm jackets. You’ll find many U.K artists such as AJ Tracey sporting the brand.
https://twitter.com/TomHanley14/status/938513754064588801
Converse – 1970
They began making shoes for the military during World War II. During the 1970s Converse shifted to providing footwear for sports, particularly basketball. Their most famous creation was the All-Star model, which is nowadays one of the most recognised pair of sneakers all over the world. If you’ve ever owned a pair of Chuck Taylor’s before, then you’ll know that the shoes aren’t exactly the most comfortable trainers out there – those poor sports men!
In the following years new technologies and demands for more comfort meant that sports people were ditching their ‘Chucks’, for brands like Nike instead. In response, the brand slowly evolved into a more lifestyle friendly vibe. Check Elvis out chilling in his Converse back in the day!
I've never seen Elvis in regular street clothes let alone some converse pic.twitter.com/PgtHnvZ9LC
— Allison (@blockbusterbay) November 5, 2018
Now:
Despite having filed for bankruptcy in 2001, in the last two decades Converse has become popular in streetwear, and the ‘go to’ pair of shoes for music festivals. In fact the more muck you get on them, the cooler you look…good luck in trying to explain that one to your mum!
Kickers – 1970
Oh yes, we’ve all got nostalgic ties to these pair shoes. Kickers broke the barriers, partly because although they are categorised as shoes, the range of bright colours and detailed stitching appealed to us in the same way as new trainers.
In France, Daniel Raufast developed a new shoe for the blue-jean generation. The designer Jacques Chevallereau then created the first ‘jean boot’. The stitching, panels and appliqués show heavy inspiration from denim which is what made these shoes unique.
Are you old enough to remember Rod Stewart advertising Kickers in the 1970s? pic.twitter.com/0BIhENhjmm
— 60s, 70s & 80s Kids (@60s70s80sKids) May 18, 2017
Kickers really took off here in the UK in the 1980s. Their largest clientele in Britain were kids – and if kids like them you’re bound to be racking in the money!
Now: Now kickers are worn by people of all ages, and their versatility means that people feel unrestricted at a ‘no trainers’ event and at school. The flower which comes tagged to one of their designs is also highly collectable. Also, there’s the myth of the tag which goes: if you own kickers but don’t have the tag dangling on your shoes, yours aren’t real!
The more of these you had on your Kickers the cooler you were!…. pic.twitter.com/MK5OZuD1Yo
— 80s Kidz (@80s_Kidz) August 11, 2017
Timberland BUFFALO SHOES – 1979
Buffalo is a brand popular for its range of very high platform footwear. Buffalo Boots GmbH’s headquarters are in Hochheim am Main, Germany.
The brand’s popularity grew from the mid-1990s when their shoes were available in platforms as high as 20 centimetres! Who would be able to walk in those? I’ll tell you who… the Spice Girls! They seemed to have no trouble giving a show in these bad boys – girl power alright!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrDXxARFDGx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Now:
These shoes have resurfaced as of late and can be seen worn by men too in the urban fashion scene. There is now a wider range of products such as accessories, clothes and other shoe designs including western and biker boots, skate shoes and high heels.
