For Borgy Manotoc, Dr. Martens isn’t just a business opportunity, it’s a lifelong love affair. “I grew up wearing the three-eye 1461 every day in grade school.”
Realizing that the British brand has a loyal following in the Philippines despite the lack of a distributor, Borgy and his business partner, Andrew Garcia, decided to bring Dr. Martens back to the country. “With its recent resurgence and great worldwide presence, we felt it was the best time to bring it back,” he said.
Their store opened at the Fort Strip Plaza in Bonifacio Global City last December and the response has been great, with pairs of shoes consistently selling out. “The core products are still by far more in demand. The 1460 8-eye boot is sold out every time we restock. Cherry red seems to be the most popular color. But the new navy and camel shades of the spring/summer line are also doing very well.”
Although Borgy grew up wearing the 1461 and remains a fan of that shoe model, he’s discovering new favorites too. “The new silhouettes such as the monk shoe are really great additions to the range.”
It’s strangely beautiful how people really grow attached to their pairs of Doc Martens. Borgy says, “Everyone has a story about their shoes. Our product has been cemented in people’s memory through personal experience. You cannot buy that recall value.”
When asked what he personally loves about the brand, he said, “The brand has a story and a strong message. Rebellion and creativity are central. And the product will always be known for its quality.”
That rebellious spirit of self-expression will be celebrated in Agyness Deyn’s upcoming collaboration with Dr. Martens.
Like Borgy, the British model has been a fan of Dr. Martens since she was a child. “I have always had a really intense relationship with Dr. Martens, right from my first pair back when I was 13, which I bought as a combination of showing that I wanted to rebel against my parents, and they were the coolest boots that I could get away with wearing to school which stood for something that gave me my own stamp of originality.”
Agyness has never outgrown her desire to be different—it’s something she still embodies now that she’s a successful model and trendsetter. She brought her unique touch and passion for style to this collection of clothing, footwear and accessories.
“Her aesthetic is based on the ’90s grunge scene,” Borgy said, “The shoes have a great material story and a creative twist on the soles.”
Agyness worked closely with the Dr. Martens creative team in bringing to life a collection that incorporates pop culture references from music, film, TV and fashion.
Expect bright pops of color, quality prints and unique pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Dr. Martens Philippines will be bringing in the entire footwear line from the Agyness Deyn collection. Borgy’s favorite? “I love the creepers, they have a great material on the upper.”
Dr. Martens is at Fort Strip Plaza, Katipunan Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Call 957-8571. You can find the brand on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DrMartensPH) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/DrMartensPH).
