Another week, another Dr. Martens 1461 collaboration, this time alongside AAPE, the sibling of serial DM collaborator A Bathing Ape (BAPE).
Since its founding in 2012, AAPE has been BAPE’s platform for exploration, a line that’s seen it experiment with various signature elements through a lens aimed at newer and younger generations.
Now, for the first time, AAPE can soon boast a DM collaboration of its own (September 16, to be precise), as it reworks the brand’s timeless 1461 silhouette in both black and olive green variations.
There’s something profoundly endearing about DM, and the 1461 in particular. For a shoe to have been collaborated on so many times (like, hundreds) and still look like a DM shoe is a testament to the silhouette.
DM's long list of collaborators makes for good reading. From JJJJound, Supreme, and Engineered Garments, to Stüssy, A-COLD-WALL*, and countless team ups with BAPE, there aren't many brands DM hasn't jammed with.
But, no matter how many different brand motifs it adorns, how many color variations it takes on, a DM shoe remains instantly recognizable thanks to its unique build – and not just because of the yellow welt stitching.
For this collab, AAPE has taken the three-eye shoe and reworked it with smooth leather, which has then been embossed with its Moonface logo and “SOMEWHERE IN THE AAPE UNIVERSE”.
“AAPE UNVS” is read on the backstrap, beneath a special two-tone edition co-branded label, and a hidden Moonface logo on the insole.
At its core, the 1401 is a timeless shoe that needs no tweaking. Yet, with each and every collaboration it finds itself at the heart of, brands are quick to add their unique touch. But, no matter how many bells and whistles are attached, it will always remain the same 1461 silhouette at heart.
