The trendy punk Dr Martens boots that were the the height of fashion for punk rockers in the eighties and nineties have made a comeback amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Diane Kruger, Gigi Hadid, Dakota Johnson, have been spotted stomping the streets in the shoes, which were once a staple of the 1970’s punk and skinhead scene.
Stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL the resurgence in popularity for Dr Martens was down to fashion lovers seeking nostalgia during the coronavirus pandemic, saying: ‘It is a way to relive or bring memories of the past and give their old looks a refresh.’
It comes as the brand confirmed plans to float on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, with an initial public offering expected by the start of February.
Celebrities including Diana Kruger have been spotted wearing Dr Martens boots in recent weeks as the brand proves the show of choice for starlets amid the Covid-19 crisis
Many A-listers and models, including Ashley Roberts and Josephine Skriver have adopted the punk rocker style boots into their wardrobe (left, and right)
Rochelle explained: ‘Dr Martens have seen a rise in popularity since the 90s. I think that so many celebs, models and influencers have been rocking the trend with leggings, floral dresses, tailoring and more.
‘It has created an inspirational look that people want to recreate. It was seen on the catwalks back in 2019 and was giving a new lease of life.’
The stylist said the brand had been boosted in popularity of the brand because many fashion lovers are seeking a ‘casual, luxury look’, adding: ‘I think with the lockdowns of 2020 and part 3 in 2021, the casual, luxury/luxe look was a big thing for people working from home.
‘Even after lockdown ease, many still opted for that relaxed casual looks and the Dr Marten was the go too.’
Kourtney Kardashian stepped out in the boots alongside TikTok star Addison Rae during the Covid-19 pandemic
She continued: ‘The most popular Dr Marten style is their famous 1460 Smooth Leather Ankle Boot, which I think many 90s nostalgic fashion lovers have gone for.’
‘Some of their other popular styles are seen on the younger generation Sinclair platform and 1461 Smooth Leather shoe.
‘Some of the young TikTok creators have been rocking the DR Martens look in videos, which I think have had an impact on the rise in popularity.’
Stars including Frozen actress Kristen Bell and Diane Kruger have been spotted in the classic black boot over the last few weeks.
Frozen star Kristen Bell has long been a fan of the punk rocker style boots, she is pictured here in 2918 donning the shoes
Meanwhile, 50 Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson has long been a fan of the brand, and recently stepped out in a pair of the label’s black brogue shoe.
In the last few weeks, supermodel Gigi Hadid has showcased her collection of the boots, donning a brown pair and a bright yellow pair in New York.
Proving the shoe has universal popularity with men as well as women, artist Machine Gun Kelley was recently snapped wearing a white pair of the combat boots.
Earlier today, Dr Martens, which sold its first book in the UK nearly 61 years ago, announced plans to list between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of the company and expects that it would be eligible for inclusion in the FTSE UK indices.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has proved the versatility of the brand in recent weeks as she was snapped out and about in New York wearing a vibrant yellow pair (left) as well as a more muted brown pair (right)
Meanwhile other stars to step out in the shoe include Machine Gun Kelly, who wore a white pair of the combat boots in December
Its current private equity owner, Permira, which bought the brand for £300million in 2013, will be selling off some of its shares in the IPO. The business is expected to be valued at close to £1billion.
Its chunky footwear has undergone a revival following a dark period in the early 2000s when Dr Martens came close to bankruptcy, and it shut down all bar one of its British factories.
In the six months to the end of September 2020, revenues jumped 18 per cent to £318.2million.
In its last financial year to the end of March, the company’s revenue reached £672million, while earnings hit £184million.
50 Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson has long been a fan of the brand, recently stepping out in a pair of brogue style shoes from the label
Chief executive Kenny Wilson said last week that the float reflects what the Dr Martens team has achieved in recent years.
‘Our iconic brand appeals to a diverse range of consumers around the world who wear our footwear to express their individual style,’ he said.
‘We have invested massively to ensure that we deliver the best digital and store experiences to connect with our wearers, and through this we are driving our long-term, sustainable growth.’