You can’t think of youth culture in the UK without thinking of Dr. Martens. The classic boot is emblematic of protest and rebellion, a symbol of individuality that spanned subcultures from the mods in the 50s to the punks and goths in the 80s and 90s.
In many ways, Dr. Martens is a cultural artefact that connotes strength and is constantly changing and adapting, incorporating new-found, expansive ideas of strength that are rooted in community, collaboration, vulnerability, and joy.
The brand’s Made Strong campaign, which enlisted the creative vision of 14 young creatives, including Mexican singer-songwriter Niko Rubio, South Korean rapper Seungwoo, environmental activist Xiuhtezcatl and the Nigerian skate crew Motherlan, is an extension of this shift.
Founded by Leo [Soldier], Olalu Slawn, and Onyedi Iriele in Lagos, Motherlan is led by the trio’s vision of joy and creative connection that has fostered a creative community that transcends disciplines and geographical boundaries. Their partnership with Dr. Martens has seen them build on this vision through a cultural takeover at South London’s Copeland Park in October and, more recently, a buzzing pop-up in Camden on Saturday that celebrated their collaboration. Here’s what went down.
Moving beyond the industry’s offerings of identical storefronts, Motherlan paid homage to the legacy of the market stall. A space that is at once accessible and nostalgic, their pop-up situated at the centre of Jamestown Road nods to their community and was a welcome change from the overly manicured high fashion spaces we’re all too familiar with. Their exclusive merchandise, including their namesake MTN t-shirts and customized jeans, was displayed next to a street-vendor-style kiosk that housed their collaboration with Dr. Martens.
Taking to their socials a day before the pop-up to invite their community, Motherlan crafted the perfect familiar affair. Fans and friends queued up to get their hands on the collaboration that reworks Dr. Martens classic 1461 shoe with screen print detailing of Motherlan’s signature visual codes. Everyone was seen clutching their new shoes, and the street was filled with music and excitement, a celebration of the community the trio fostered and uplifted over the years.
Mentored by Slawn, Teoni is an integral part of the Motherlan community and mirrors their vision of creativity and optimism. Sprawling across two brick walls at the intersection of Jamestown Road and Camden High Street, the mural titled The Real Real Bad Boys was created by the artist with the help of Global Street Art and served as a fitting tribute to Motherlan’s cultural footprint.