Colorful, nostalgic and yet new: Bridie Husband is behind the new Buzz shoe from Dr. Martens, which exudes so much nineties energy that it warms our hearts. To elicit this feeling from Doc’s fans, the shoe designer dug deep into the archives – and at the same time observed the trends of today, because innovation is a must. She also told us what her working days are like, which trends she loves and how to break in a new pair of Dr. Martens without damaging your feet too much.
FACES: How did your path lead you to Dr. Martens? Have you always wanted to be a shoe designer?
Bridie Husband: After studying fashion design and marketing at university, I secured an internship on a graduate scheme that allowed me to work at various brands before landing an opportunity at cult brand Dr. Martens. But it was actually always my goal to become a shoe designer. I’ve also always been a big Dr. Martens fan – I bought my first pair for my 15th birthday, the Cherry Red 1460 boots, and I still have them! I’ve been wearing Doc’s out of conviction since I was a teenager.
Q: What does your typical working day look like and what misconceptions do people have about your job?
BH: No two days are the same! A common misconception is that we spend all day sketching out ideas, but there is so much more that goes into it. A typical day may involve archive research, prototyping and testing samples. The creative process is as much about problem solving as it is about aesthetics.
F: To design the Buzz collection, you delved into the archives. What unexpected design ideas did you find there and did you come across trends that we are now seeing?
BH: I designed the outsole together with the development team and drew inspiration from the archives. I also designed a series of tops for the range. My favorite is the Buzz 5-Eye shoe in Hair On with micro leopard print – the texture and print make the style unique. Trends are cyclical. When something feels new, it often has historical roots. Many of the bold, chunky designs we see today existed in decades past – it’s just a matter of reinterpreting them for the modern audience.
“I’ve been wearing Doc’s out of conviction since I was a teenager.”
Q: What do you have in mind first when you create a new design: a specific person or the finished shoe?
BH: We always start by looking deep into our archive to find a starting point – be it an original silhouette that we want to reinterpret or a design detail that we can develop further. This historical foundation is key to ensuring that everything we create stays true to our DNA. In addition to the archive, we are inspired by visiting vintage stores, exhibitions, galleries and pop-up spaces and are constantly taking in cultural inspiration. We also keep a close eye on how our wearers style themselves in key cities around the world – how they move, express themselves and combine influences.
F: The Buzz collection is a tribute to the nineties. Why are we so nostalgic about this time and why do we love fashion from this decade so much?
BH: The nineties is a unique cultural moment that blended rebellion, individuality and a sense of carefree self-confidence – it was an era characterized by subcultures, be it in music, fashion or identity. This spirit fits naturally with the DNA of Dr. Martens, which has always stood for self-expression. The fashion of that decade was based on authenticity – it wasn’t about following trends, it was about creating your own personal look, mixing grunge, minimalism, sportswear and bold statements. Our wearers still yearn for this freedom and attitude today. The Buzz collection is reminiscent of the nineties with its chunky, rounded proportions, playful leopard prints and unexpected shades of pink. But it’s not just about looking back; it’s about turning that nostalgia into something fresh and relevant for a new generation that is redefining what self-expression means.
Q: What is your favorite trend from the nineties that you still love today?
BH: Definitely grunge. I’m drawn to exaggerated and oversized silhouettes.
“With Buzz’s bold, chunky outsole as a foundation, the creative possibilities are endless.”
Q: What shoe trends are you spotting for the coming seasons?
BH: We are always looking at macro trends – those that are shaped by cultural changes and global movements, rather than short-lived fashion cycles. With almost 65 years of tradition, our archives are a constant source of inspiration that helps us to stay true to ourselves and evolve at the same time. Looking to the future, I think we will see a greater focus on flatter silhouettes and an increase in sophisticated, high-quality designs that combine timelessness with modernity.
Q: If the buzz shoe was a song or an album, what would it be?
BH: Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt.
Q: What would you pair the Buzz with?
BH: I particularly like to pair the Buzz with a mini dress, but its versatility means it can be effortlessly paired with dresses of any length as well as shorts, pants or jeans. The shoe can be styled similarly to a sneaker, but also enhances everyday outfits.
F: What changes can we expect from the Buzz collection? Are there any unseen color combinations or patterns that we can look forward to?
BH: Definitely. The Buzz collection will be expanded with new prints, materials and unexpected color combinations – both in our main range and through upcoming brand collaborations. We’re also expanding the range of silhouettes for Fall-Winter 25, and with Buzz’s bold, chunky outsole as the foundation, the creative possibilities are endless.
Q: What materials and textures would you like to incorporate into a shoe design that you haven’t used before?
BH: At Dr. Martens we are constantly looking to innovate, not only in design but also in the materials we use. We want to incorporate more sustainable and bio-based materials into our collections to ensure they still offer the durability and quality we are known for, but push the boundaries in new, forward-thinking ways.
Q: Who would you like to see stomping around in the new Buzz collection?
BH: Anyone and everyone! Anyone who wears DM’s as a form of self-expression – we love to see that in our wearers.
Q: Which Dr. Martens-wearing music icon from history do you think would like the Buzz collection?
BH: Siouxsie Sioux, PJ Harvey and Gwen Stefani could definitely wear these shoes.
“The creative process is as much about problem solving as it is about aesthetics.”
Q: If you weren’t a shoe designer, what would you be doing?
BH: I’ve always been passionate about design. So if I wasn’t in the footwear industry, I would probably still be designing – be it fashion or interior design. I love the idea of combining functionality with aesthetics, so anything that goes in that direction would be a natural fit.
Q: What niche trends or subcultures inspire your work?
BH: Our wearers have made Dr. Martens the brand it is today – every subculture and niche trend adopts and adapts our shoes in its own way. It is this diversity that drives our creativity time and time again. Each subculture brings something different to the table, and so we don’t focus on one, but take inspiration from the many that have appreciated us over the decades.
Q: Are there any fashion rules that you like to break – both privately and at work?
BH: I don’t believe in fashion rules – I think the truest form of expression is to just wear what you want and how you want it.
Q: How big is your personal shoe collection?
Bra: Not as big as you might expect, but all the pairs I own are loved and worn well.
F: Dr. Martens is known for its collaborations with other brands. Which brand would you like to work with in the future?
BH: We have some exciting collaborations in the pipeline – a few of which are at the top of my wish list… Unfortunately, I can’t reveal which brands these are yet!
Q: Can you give us some insider tips on how to easily break in a new pair of Dr. Martens without your feet suffering too much?
BH: Our boots and shoes are made from high-quality leather that is designed to be durable and long-lasting. This means that they naturally need a little time to adapt perfectly to your feet. For me, it’s all about the right fit and adjustment right from the start – for example, making sure the lacing is tight so that the foot stays secure and doesn’t rub. I also recommend wearing thicker socks to start with and using insoles if you are between sizes. A touch of leather conditioner can also help to soften the material. Once they are broken in, they will be your favorite pair for many years to come.
Q : If you had to choose between the two, would you prefer a beautiful shoe or a comfortable one?
BH: For me, it’s never about choosing between comfort and style – the two should always go hand in hand. At Dr. Martens, we have both in mind. Our iconic air-cushioned sole and supportive details such as padded ankle collars are designed for all-day comfort without compromising on the expressive designs that define each collection.
Q: What makes it particularly interesting to reinterpret Dr. Martens shoes?
BH: It’s always special to revive an archived style in a new way. We make sure we stick to our heritage by referencing the archive and adapting elements such as shape, height and a versatile color palette.
F: Since the sixties, Dr. Martens has been part of many youth movements and subcultures. Which one would you have liked to have been part of and why?
BH: I would have loved to have been part of the punk movement in the late seventies and early eighties. It was such a bold, fearless time when fashion wasn’t just about looking good – it was about making a statement and rebelling against the norm. I love how people made their Doc’s their own style – they studded them, painted them and you could see every bit of wear and tear on them. That raw DIY energy is something that still inspires me when designing today.
Bridie Husband
Bridie Husband bought her first pair of Dr. Martens at the age of fifteen. So it was already written in the stars that her professional journey would lead her to the iconic brand. The Brit studied fashion design and marketing, always with the goal of one day designing shoes in mind. At Dr. Martens, she breathed new life into the iconic Buzz shoe. We can look forward to further collaborations with brands and colorful, innovative designs.
You can get the new Buzz shoe here.
Photos: © Dr. Martens
Fancy more insider knowledge from the design world? We spoke to Magda Butrym about her latest collection with H& M.
