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Worldwide success by accident
THE first pair of Dr Martens boots rolled off the Wollaston production line on the first of April, 1960, and no-one could have known then just how popular the footwear would prove to be.
Dubbed �1460�s� on account of their date of manufacture, the boots became a design icon across the world, with countless subcultures adopting the brand as a symbol of identity, from the mods and skinheads of the 1960s to the punks of the 1970s and the grunge faithful of the 1990s.
The origin of the famous air-cushioned sole can be traced back to 1945 and the small German town of Seeshaupt, near Munich, where medical doctor Klaus Maertens injured his foot while skiing in the Bavarian Alps.
He came up with the idea of developing a shoe with a new-style sole to provide extra comfort and support.
Dr Maertens teamed up with his engineering pal, Dr Herbert Funck, and eventually they unveiled the world�s first heat-sealed air-cushioned sole.
The footwear grew in popularity and caught the attention of Northamptonshire-based shoe manufacturer, Bill Griggs.
His company, R Griggs & Co, recognised the potential of the revolutionary soles and acquired the global rights to use the air-cushioned sole and set to work on developing a range of footwear to complement it.
Bold design features, such as the famous yellow stitch and unique sole pattern, helped the boots attain cult status and before long they were being worn by celebrities across the world.
Stores opened across the world as their popularity continued to grow, with outlets popping up in London, Manchester, Paris and in Portland, Oregon.
An exhibition at the Abington Park Museum in Northampton two years ago saw stars from stage and screen customise a pair of eight-hole DMs to show their love for the brand.
>>>>>>Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Keith Richards donated their designs for the display along with a host of other celebrities, including Sir Elton John, Madonna and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
Dolce & Gabbana designer John Rocha is a fan, as is American pop singer Janet Jackson.
At the height of their fame, rival girl groups All Saints and the Spice Girls both donned Dr Martens boots and even TV host Noel Edmonds cottoned on to the trend.
With a host of new designs, Dr Marten�s bosses were confident of a bright new era.
But with production moving from its traditional home in Northamptonshire to the ultra-modern factories of China, it remains to be seen if the company has sold its sole.
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CHAT ROOM aka THE FUN HOUSE] [
RESTROOMS]