Joyce is a Chinese American designer whose final look reflects how she perceives herself. Adopting and rejecting parts of her identity informed by the cultures and experiences she absorbed growing up — often unfamiliar and conflicting. Her version of the boot juxtaposes DM’s tough, durable exterior and hardware with soft, delicate textiles which are slashed and hand-stitched together to represent the beauty within strength.

“Damsel Out of Distress”

For Finlay, the 1460 boot is an indestructible staple designed for longevity. As part of his final look, Finlay has created a refined and tested system of modular components that deconstructs our core design language: a 1461 3-eye shoe with a detachable boot upper to form our unmistakable 8-eye boot. Our black and yellow heel loop can be attached to both silhouettes with a button closure. Finlay’s final look is made up of 20 modular components that can transform into over 100 variations.

Max, otherwise known as Maximilian, specialises in gender non-conforming clothing that unites historical elegance and experimental textiles with anarchic, politically charged energy. His version of the 1460 boot is inspired by his personal memory of DM’s footwear being banned at his school. His anti-rule-abiding customised look embodies rebellious spirit and undeniable self-expression.

“Damsel Out of Distress”

Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Traiceline’s work delves into the specific individuals and environments he grew up around. His customised version of our 1460 boot is inspired by the story of his childhood friend and a thief. His final look explores a step-by-step guide for how his friend would get their hands on a pair of 1460 boots.

Alvaro is a Spanish-born designer whose work prioritises freedom, love, equality, and craftsmanship — with a loud voice at the core. His customised look is inspired by a shared vision of true rebellion: the authenticity of being the most honest version of yourself. Uniting Spanish heritage with London culture and reflecting on his experiences as a teen wearing Docs boots to a ballet class, Alvaro’s final look is based on a vision of a “menina” wearing a pair of DM’s boots.

Dhruv grew up in the Indian countryside and admires the subtle, considered forms of self-expression he saw around him. He views fashion as a catalyst for new generations to create awareness of diverse cultures, history, and context for the world around us. His custom boot and complete look are inspired by the Indian apsaras — celestial beings in Hindu and Buddhist culture — who, in the 1970s, were understood to have given strength, which was considered a rebellious act.

“Colourful alternatives to the existing reality.”

Yanya sees fashion design as a conversation between designer and wearer — keeping the creative journey alive through experimentation and aiming to spark joy through different perceptions of everyday life. Her customised version of the 1460 boot is inspired by the ease and confidence of its durability, enhanced with her signature “adjustable cording” technique to create layers of tulle in a gradually changing tone with an adjustable style and shape. She has also reworked the boot’s laces with her “adjustable cording” for more ways to showcase individual style.

Valeria’s designs are made with sustainability and craftsmanship front of mind. Her concepts aim to recontextualise everyday objects by incorporating upcycling, second-hand materials, or bioplastics — with unconventional results. Valeria’s version of the 1460 boot is inspired by our durable, heritage workwear styles and an imprint of a boot in tarmac. She has used recycled and bioplastic materials to reimagine the boot as a fossilised sculpture to cement its protective, durable, and functional characteristics.

“Ageless. Unisex. Protective.”

Atli is an Icelandic designer whose work aims to challenge and subvert preconceived notions of masculinity. He combines conventionally ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ traits to create a playful and accepting space for exploration. Atli’s final look was inspired by the Icelandic women’s national costume — understood to be a look of resilience and strength. The look has exaggerated hips to mimic the boot's silhouette and tie front corseting to mirror the laces. Atli also includes gold and silver embroidery detailing inspired by our signature yellow welt stitching.

“Challenging the status quo, subverting expectations, and doing it in style.”