Dr. Martens: Coming home to Brighton

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Well, not home exactly, that would be Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where the first pair of Dr. Martens rolled off the production line on 1 April 1960.

But if home is where the heart is – the place where your rebellious nature and individual sense of style has always been cherished – then the home for Dr. Martens is definitely here, on the streets of Brighton. You only need to take a stroll along the North Laine to spot those eye-catching leather lace ups and yellow welt stitching, whether they’re sported by tweed wearing dandies, pram pushing mums or local punks.

So Dr. Martens is finally coming to Brighton, with a new store opening on Wednesday 12 June. The shop, located on 15b Prince Albert Street (between The Meeting House and Food for Friends) will feature the label’s full range of footwear, from the iconic 1460 Boot to more recent creations like the new ‘Tattoo’ range. You can even find a fully waterproof Dr. Martens Welly – perfect footwear for the summer festival season.

Alongside the classic boots and shoes, Brighton’s new shop will also stock the latest seasonal collections, including the Spring/Summer 13 range and the latest Agyness Deyn for Dr. Martens collaboration. While Aggy’s debut line was inspired by power couples of the ‘90s (think Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp), this season’s playful pieces embody the street style of Japan and Tokyo’s Harajuku Girls.

As you might expect, the store opening for such a notoriously rebellious brand won’t be passing quietly. The Dr. Martens store will be celebrated with an exclusive launch event, featuring local bands and the unveiling of an in-store art installation by local artist The Screen Prince.

In partnership with Brighton Fashion Week 2013, Dr. Martens will also be bringing their customised Leyland van – decked out with a chesterfield sofa, flat screen TV and a photo booth – to People’s Day in Jubilee Square on Saturday 15 June. Families can also come along to the Dr. Martens Customisation Bar to makeover their footwear, with everything from glitter laces to beading. But the day isn’t just about fun and fashion, the DM team are also giving back to their new spiritual-hometown by donating over 600 pairs of shoes to local Brighton charities.

Win Dr. Martens footwear & clothes

There are also plenty of chances to win DM gear, starting with the Dr. Martens Street Style competition. Throughout June and July the hunt is on to find the most individually stylish Docs wearer in Brighton. The winner will receive £300 worth of Dr. Martens’ footwear, clothing and accessories, plus the winning look will be shared with Dr. Martens’ thousands of online followers.
So if you think you’ve got Brighton’s ultimate street style in Docs, then tweet or Instagram your pic to #drmartensstyle and #DRMARTENSBRIGHTON. Alternatively, get down to the Dr. Martens photo booth in Jubilee Square on Saturday 15 June or keep an eye out for the Dr. Marten’s fashion photographers and style hunters who will be prowling the streets of Brighton throughout June and July.

But that’s not the only footwear freebies waiting to be won this month. Tune into Juice Radio 107.2 this week for your chance to bag a pair of Docs every day.

Dr. Martens is finally coming home to Brighton and whether you’re looking to find your first pair or your fortieth, to show off your street style or alternative vibe, get down to their new store on Prince Albert Street to see the classic footwear’s new retail home in our very own city. Visit www.drmartens.com for the latest and classic DM range of shoes, clothes and accessories and head to the new Dr. Martens store at 15b Prince Albert Street, Brighton, from Wednesday 12 June.