Dr. Martens x Denim Tears: Remembering the transformative impact of the Windrush Generation

Tremaine Emory teams up with the iconic British footwear brand for a collaboration that reclaims the history of African migration.

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Driven by a cultural narrative, Denim Tears’ creative director continues to dissect the intersectionality of history and fashion through various collaborations. The brand, founded in 2019, transcends deductive notions such as the concept of ‘streetwear’ and uses clothing to educate about history and its effects.

The cultural revolution is still alive 75 years after the liner HMT Windrush, with more than 1,000 passengers on board, mostly from the Caribbean, arrived in London. At that time, the British government granted members of the colonies the right to live and work in the UK, and it was these passengers (and those that followed) who helped rebuild a nation in the face of racist and nationalist hostility. They managed to leave an inimitable mark on art, music, fashion and culture in general, despite both vocal and physical assaults.

Now, Denim Tears and Dr. Martens reclaim this legacy and recall the struggles faced by all migrants who must inevitably deal with the challenges and difficulties of adapting to a new culture. The aim is to highlight the role each society must play in creating an environment that fosters inclusion and empathy and accepts the fluidity of national identity.

Two new silhouettes, available in two colour combinations, take the form of the British brand’s classic 1460 boot as well as the Penton moccasin.