- Words Solly Warner
A new 3-way collaboration sees the Dr. Martens 1461 shoe reimagined with A Bathing Ape's 'shark' and Mastermind Japan's 'skull and crossbones'.
In this ground-breaking 3-way collaboration, Dr. Martens has partnered up with two Japanese streetwear labels: A BATHING APE and mastermind JAPAN. Merging three distinct subcultures, this cutting-edge partnership brings together two creatives to remaster one of our most iconic silhouettes.
Founded in 1993 in Tokyo, Japan, BAPE’s roots originate in the Harajuku scene of the early 90s. Their signature ‘A BATHING APE 1st Camo’ became a legendary status symbol and their almost impossible-to-come-by beginnings gave the label a cult status that’s still envied by streetwear brands today.
As for mastermind JAPAN, a lot about the legendary streetwear brand is shrouded in mystery. Founded in 1997, mastermind JAPAN was shaped by Masaaki Homma’s love of punk and British subculture, and this gave way to the designer’s influential skull-and-crossbones print – a motif that Homma states is one of history’s most poignant symbols.
Now in an amalgamation of the three brands, the Dr. Martens 1461 silhouette is reimagined through both A Bathing Ape’s and mastermind JAPAN’s creative lens. Screen printed with A Bathing Ape’s iconic ‘shark mouth’ on one shoe and mastermind JAPAN’s ‘skull’ on the other.
Crafted from smooth leather and detailed with a triple branded dog tag, antique black ‘mastermind JAPAN’ and ‘A BATHING APE’ branded lace charms, it also features a tri-branded sock liner. Finished with instantly recognisable Dr. Martens detailing such as a black and yellow heel loop and yellow welt stitching, these shoes will sell out sharpish.
The collection drops on 26th June and will be available at drmartens.com and select partners.
