Although the Essex band Crass declared to the world “Punk is Dead” in 1978, there is an enduring legacy to the movement characterised by its anti-establishment views, DIY sensibilities and unapologetic self-expression. It may not come with the classic Liberty Spikes, patched-vests and piercings that defined its mid- ‘70s to ‘80s heyday, but its defiant presence can still be felt in the disruptive actions of today’s generation.
Originally founded in Seeshaupt in Germany in 1947 by Dr. Klaus Märtens and Herbert Funck, legendary footwear brand Dr. Martens is synonymous with the punk movement. Based upon the design of hard-wearing army boots, the brand has long been associated with British subculture, and are a wearable emblem for self-expression. As the iconic boot-maker celebrates 60 years of being manufactured in the United Kingdom this year, Dr. Martens is recognising four young voices that do punk in their own way for their latest “Tough as You” campaign.
Practice self-determination
Bob wears 1460 Smooth.
Bob Vylan is making punk music for a new generation, mixing in hardcore and grime influences into the self-produced, recorded, mixed and mastered punk rap music he makes with Bobb13 in the band Bob Vylan. Growing up a young black man in the UK, Vylan always felt like a bit of an outsider—a thought that only intensified when he was kicked out of school and told he wouldn’t amount to anything. Now, he creates an alternative sound to mainstream punk and grime, creating the music that he wants to hear. “If you tell me that I can’t do something and I feel like I should be doing it, I’ll work just as hard to get there,” he says.
Challenge gender norms
Avie wears 1461 Smooth.
Although assigned male at birth, Avie Acosta identifies as non-binary and is working to break down the gender divisions in fashion through modelling. Growing up in small in Oklahoma, Acosta saved up money to move to New York at 19 and is proving all those wrong who said they would be back in a matter of weeks, taking on fashion campaigns with Marc Jacobs and walking the runways of Milan.
Champion body positivity
Lotte wears a customised 2976 Chelsea.
While Instagram is known for it’s Facetuneing and filtering to achieve unattainable beauty ideals, Lotte Van Eijk is using the platform to push against society’s obsession with “perfect” bodies and traditional beauty. Her bio pokes fun at critics, describing herself simply as “A fat.” Van Eijk was turned away from dance school for being “too fat” and told that her body could not perform 14 hours of dance a week. Instead of discouraging her, she set out to photograph larger women doing the same things as everyone else, and when she wants to push the boundaries further, she just models herself.
Take the road less travelled
Naked Giants wear Originals.
The Naked Giants don’t have a linear story. Although band mates Grant Mullen, Henry LaVallee and Gianni Aiello spent their teen years playing together, the pressure to “grow up” and start a “real life” almost tore them apart. But after Lavelle’s father died, he thought about what he really wanted to be doing with his life, and that was touring with his band. Aiello dropped out of university, and the rest is history.
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