Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dr Martens Dept Store, Covent Garden, London WC2
What it is: Depending on how you look at it, a shameless attempt to cash in on the successful bovver boot brand, or a "flagship store" selling "an innovative clothing range" and "essential accessories, including bags, watches and stationery". There is even a cappuccino bar downstairs (macchiato, pounds 1.25). It's enough to make hard men weep.
Atmosphere: Designer brutalist: industrial wire mesh on the walls, exposed pipes, fake concrete floor, leather patched benches with contorted metal feet. Posters of sulky urban children on the stairs, little glass display cabinets illustrate "Dr Martens trademarks" ("DMS Sole Pattern, Resistance Rectangle, Yellow Welt Stitching, Grooved Sole Edge ...") or "Punks".
Customers: Not a punk, oik, skinhead or rocker in sight. Instead, Dr Martens is full of fresh-faced German and Japanese 12-year-olds keen to look hard in a "Kick the System" T-shirt. Or you'll find them in the ground floor accessories section buying a DM's keyring, 99p, or ballpoint, pounds 3.99. Younger children are also fans of the brutal look, as the "Sole Sisters" or "Sole Brothers" T-shirts for ages eight to 10 (pounds 7.99) have sole(d) out. As, of course, has Dr Martens.
What to buy: One hundred and fifty styles of DMs boots and shoes: new ones include a silver and lace version (pounds 54.99), gold sequinned (pounds 48.99), or high blue snakeskin (pounds 91.99). But as their credibility is looking shaky, you might be better off buying something for the kids: some glittery boots (pounds 34.99), a baby donkey jacket, pounds 34.99, or a Dr Martian T-shirt, pounds 7.99.
What not to buy: A Dr Martens Filofax (yes, really), pounds 19.50.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments