Planes, trains and Dr Martens – plane rides can lead to the best ideas.
A fortuitous plane ride
In February of 2011, Celina Sanchez was on an Alaska Airlines sitting in what she calls “the back of the boat." Celina works for Dr. Martens and was on her way to MAGIC, the Las Vegas tradeshow extravaganza. It’s a short flight from Portland to Vegas, but Celina had interesting seatmates: on one side sat a woman who worked for Tillamook, and on the other sat Peggy Denfeld, the Merchandising Manager for Pendleton Menswear.
With Doc Martens sandwiched between representatives of two iconic Oregonian brands, it was inevitable that at least two of them would leave that flight with ideas for collaboration. No plans were hatched for plaid cheddar or air-cushioned Colby Jack. Instead, Peggy and Celina decided to find a way to bring Pendleton and Doc Martens together.
“I’m a former footwear buyer, so I love Doc Martens," said Peggy. “Everyone over here thought it would be a great fit." Celina certainly didn’t have to convince anyone, either. “I was aware of the Pendleton meets Opening Ceremony collaborations, and my colleagues in London already loved Pendleton," she said. “When my UK colleagues came over from our HQ in London, we set up a meeting."
The Results
Since Fall 2011 was already underway for both lines, plans were made for Autumn/Winter 2012, and the boots are here, in Cherry Red or Black leather, with Pendleton’s Pagosa Springs wool.
The design is based on Dr. Martens’ original 1460 model, named for the date of its release: April 1, 1960. The collaboration includes a bag based on the Dr. Martens classic satchel, with slight adjustments made to maximize the beauty of the Pendleton pattern. Boots and bags are available at fine retailers throughout the U.S., and worldwide through Dr. Martens. In Portland, you can find them at the Dr. Martens store in the Pearl District and at the Pendleton Airport Store.
And to think it all started with a plane ride. “I really feel like it was synergy from the start," said Peggy Denfeld. “We have a kinship in starting stories; workboots and workwear." A look at the finished product, photographed at our Washougal mill, shows what great things can happen when a plan comes together.
