Footwear designer Bridie Husband is helping shape a bold new era at Dr. Martens. We spoke to her about the Buzz collection, the 14XX concept, and designing with empowerment in mind.
Bridie Husband, Footwear Designer at Dr. Martens
Since joining Dr. Martens in 2021, Bridie Husband has made her mark across some of the brand’s most dynamic categories—from coveted collaborations and the Made in England line to 14XX, a new incubator for design exploration. Her work blends respect for heritage with a forward-thinking mindset, channeling bold materials, ‘90s references, and a consistent focus on comfort and detail. The new Buzz collection, a reimagined archive silhouette infused with a playful, sporty, and distinctly feminine energy, is more than just a shoe, it’s a statement of presence, attitude, and reinvention. In this interview, Bridie shares her vision of design, her connection to the global community of Doc’s lovers, and the creative paths she’s most excited to explore.
Can you tell us about your journey with Dr. Martens and how you became part of the design team?
I joined Dr. Martens in July 2021 as a Footwear Designer for the Kids’ category. In 2023, I moved into the AMP team, working across our Made in England, collaborations and studio categories. Since then, my role has expanded to also include 14XX, a category we launched in 2023 as an incubator for design exploration, allowing us to test new materials and methods before they’re introduced into mainline styles.
The Buzz collection seems to capture a vibrant, youthful energy. What was the inspiration behind the design of this collection?
The Buzz collection is a bold nod to the ‘90s, drawing inspiration from the era’s chunky, rounded silhouettes, vibrant leopard prints, and playful pink hues. It also introduces a sporty, vintage aesthetic – offering our wearers something fresh that they haven’t seen in recent seasons.
You’ve reinterpreted an iconic design from Dr. Martens’ archives for the Buzz collection. How do you approach the challenge of reworking something so iconic while keeping it fresh and relevant for today’s audience?
Bringing back an archive style in a fresh way is always special. We stay true to our heritage by referencing the archive while refining elements like shape, height, and colour to enhance versatility. With classic black, brown and leopard print, the Buzz shoe is the perfect alternative to sneakers for those looking to elevate their everyday style.
The Buzz collection features bold materials and prints, like leopard print and textured leather. How did you decide on these choices, and what was the creative process behind selecting them
Colour, material and pattern are where we connect with trends. We typically work around 18 months ahead of a product launch, drawing inspiration from vintage stores, online archives, exhibitions, galleries, pop-ups and emerging street styles. These influences help us to develop distinctive designs that resonate with our global wearers.
The SS25 season highlights a more feminine approach. How do you see Dr. Martens evolving in terms of design for a broader female audience?
Dr. Martens has always been a brand for everyone, and while SS25 introduces silhouettes and materials that might be seen as more ‘feminine,’ our design approach remains rooted in versatility and self-expression, as opposed to gendered.
The 14XX concept is something you lead at Dr. Martens. How does this initiative influence the designs you create, and what sets it apart from other collections?
14XX represents the future of Dr. Martens – a space dedicated to pure design exploration. It allows us to push boundaries, experiment with new materials and techniques, and reimagine our silhouettes in unexpected ways. While the designs are more progressive, they remain rooted in our unmistakable Doc’s DNA. 14XX gives us the freedom to test concepts that might later influence mainline collections, ensuring that innovation is always at the heart of what we do.
What role do you think Dr. Martens plays in fashion today, particularly with the new generation of designers and creatives bringing fresh perspectives to the brand?
Dr. Martens has always been a platform for self-expression. Whether through ballet flats with a DM’s edge, classic leather boots, or tassel loafers, our designs resonate with a broad audience. Collaborations with visionaries like MM6 Maison Margiela, Rick Owens, Supreme, and Stüssy inject fresh perspectives, allowing us to push creative boundaries. At the core, our most enduring icon – the 1460 boot – continues to be a canvas for individuality, reinterpreted time and again by new voices in fashion.
The platform sole in the Buzz collection adds a sense of empowerment. Can you elaborate on how this design choice influences the wearer’s experience and confidence?
There’s a sense of physical elevation and confidence that comes with a big platform sole: it isn’t just about height, but presence. It gives wearers a sense of elevation and confidence, creating a bold statement that resonates with our community.
In the Buzz collection, comfort is key with features like cushioned ankle collars and the iconic air-cushioned sole. How do you balance comfort with style in your designs?
Comfort and style should go hand-in-hand, rather than be a trade-off. Our iconic air-cushioned sole and cushioned ankle collars ensure all-day wearability, offering support without compromising the collection’s bold, fun and expressive design. We believe that true style is built on comfort, and that’s the foundation of every pair we create.
Dr. Martens has always been about individuality and self-expression. How do you feel your designs reflect this ethos, and how do you encourage customers to make each pair their own?
Self-expression is at the core of Dr. Martens. Our wearers form a diverse, global community that embrace individuality, and our designs are made to empower that freedom. By drawing from our rich archives and innovating with collaborators, we create footwear that serves as a canvas for personal style.
Looking ahead, what other design trends or materials are you excited to explore in future collections?
With nearly 65 years of heritage, our archives provide a rich source of inspiration. The Buzz collection embodies this approach; while it may seem like a new direction, it is deeply rooted in our history. Buzz is here to stay – we have some exciting brand collaborations lined up that will continue to evolve it.
What advice would you give to aspiring footwear designers who look up to Dr. Martens and hope to bring their own vision to life in a similar way?
Stay true to brand identity while pushing the creative boundaries. At DM’s, every design connects to our brand’s DNA – but we constantly innovate – 14XX is a perfect example. Be bold, stay curious, and always think ahead!
Discover the full Buzz collection and find your perfect pair now at drmartens.com.
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