Chillin' at the Dr. Martens Factory!

Thursday 1 November 2012

Last month a handful of bloggers collaborated with Dr. Martens to promote their 'Individual Style United Spirit' campaign. They each held a competition for their readers, giving them the chance to win up to £500 worth of Dr. Martens products and a chance to visit the official factory. To enter you just had to send in a snap of your individual Dr. Martens style. I entered (the lovely) Bunnipunch's giveaway... and won!


As you can imagine I was extremely excited, I got to travel to Northamptonshire, meet some of the bloggers involved and have a tour of the factory. When we arrived we were given a talk on the history of the company which was fascinating, I had no idea it had such a rich history! We then had a look around the heritage room which had lots of information and boots from different decades on display.


Like a magnet I was drawn to everything studded and this signed No Doubt boot - Gwen Stefani is one of my fashion icons and I love No Doubt - SQUEE! Unfortunately it was too big to accidentally fall into my handbag so I had to leave it behind...

Vroom, vroom!

After our talk we were given a tour of the factory and shown the different processes that a boot goes through from start to finish. This was such an incredible experience, words can't describe how talented the staff are, you have to see it to believe it. Superhumans.


'Mick the click' cutting the leather using a clicker.

Adding eyelets manually.
Although only the 'Made in England' range is produced in this factory, the boots which are manufactured overseas go through exactly the same process. A considerable amount of labour goes into each shoe and the staff that work here are well trained, talented and extremely passionate about that they do. I've been a huge fan of the brand for a while now but after this tour has given me much more respect for Dr. Martens as a company. The staff are like a small family, they all work hard as part of a team and can all multi-task.

I definitely urge you to visit the factory if you can. There's a small factory shop around the corner selling bargain Dr. Martens (samples, shoes that didn't quite make the standard etc) that I would've loved to have visited if it had been open! If you live nearby you should go check it out and report back. If you'd like some further insight into factory life, you can visit apprentice Mollie's blog or watch this video.

I'm so happy that a Dr. Martens store is opening in Bristol next week! It's rare to find a brand that can successfully adapt to each new generation and so boldly encourages individuality. I can't wait to buy my next pair...

T - Made in England. XoX

24 comments:

  1. I want a pair of DM's SOOO bad it's unreal. They're beautifully made.

    gvadlln.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. It's nice to see how DM are made!!! Nice pics.

    Wherever
    the Sunset is

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  3. That's amazing! What an opportunity! Ohhh the factory shop sounds good... tempting haha!

    Robyn Mayday
    xx

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  4. The amount of effort that goes into making one pair of shoes is incredible!
    www.lovevintageonline.blogspot.com

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  5. Wow I loved reading this post, so interesting to look into how they are made and the effort that goes into it. Looks like you had a fab day :)

    Charlee
    http://charmedcharlee.blogspot.co.uk
    xxxx

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  6. Thank you for the comment on my blog. I would love to visit the shop, they make some really stunning shoes!

    xx

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  7. Awh wow what a brilliant opportunity! Great photos! Thank you for my comment x

    http://www.gingerrsnap.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Oh my gosh! Congrats, and may I just add, so jealous:)

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  9. I own a pair of green Doctor Martens and they are the most comfortable boots I've ever had :)

    http://whatonearthpan.blogspot.com/

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  10. This is brilliant! I'm dying to get some Dr Martens to complete my wardrobe! I bet it was really good seeing the in's of a factory!

    http://thumbelinalillie.blogspot.co.uk
    Megan xx

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  11. wow what an amazing looking day!!!


    http://georginagoodman.blogspot.co.uk
    xxx

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  12. You're seriously lucky to have been so close to that Dr. Marten

    www.justshazea.blogspot.com

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  13. This is such an interesting post, thank you! I've always wanted a pair of Dr Martens, I might invest this year :)

    Lana, xo
    http://fashionfake.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. doc martens have truly became a classic!

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  15. Whoaahh SO COOL! I love the studded heels O.o omg I want a pair!!

    xx

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  16. I love Dr Martens! The craftsmanship that goes into each boot is amazing! Perhaps I need to make a visit to the outlet store :)
    Rachelle x
    http://inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.co.uk/

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  17. Wow this looks so interesting! Very cool! X

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  18. Wow this looks so interesting! Very cool! X

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  19. Ooh looks like you had a fab time! I love seeing how things are made! <3

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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  20. Wow what an amazing prize, the factory is so cool.

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  21. The factory looks cool must have been a great experience

    http://thelittlebigobsession.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. Such a great post to see insight into an iconic brand. I have to admit I've never owen a pair of them but I love the bootie versions :) !!

    ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

    <3

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  23. Fabulous post !! Love those shoes :)

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