DR Martens Announces Dates For Charity Auction

DR Martens Announces Dates For Charity Auction

New Zealanders will have the chance to own one-of-a-kind Dr Martens boots customised by the likes of Karen Walker, World, Tanya Carlson, Nom D and Zambesi when they are auctioned on the Trade Me website in April for the New Zealand Aids Foundation.

Fifteen pairs of Dr Martens boots have been doctored by New Zealand artists, fashion designers, musicians and familiar faces from the media as part of the “Outside of the Ordinary” project to raise funds for the New Zealand Aids Foundation. Internationally, Dr Martens is associated with the Aids cause because of their common values of defiance, strength, individuality and fearless passion.

The boots were unveiled in November 2004 at an event in Auckland and have since been travelling the country as displays in leading shoe stores and were also at the Big Gay Out event.

The dates of the charity auction were announced today and will run from 9am on Monday 4 April until 9am on Monday 11 April. To bid for the boots, people should visit www.trademe.co.nz, click on ‘stores’ and then the “NZAF/Dr Martens” link. Here people will be able to see boot images and read about the designers’ inspiration before placing a bid. A reserve price for each pair has been set at $350 and the highest bid above this will be the successful bid. A certificate of authenticity signed by the designer will accompany each pair of boots.

Carol Riley, Marketing Manager for Dr Martens NZ, says bidding and potentially owning a pair of these boots will not only help raise money for a worthy cause, it would give the owner a unique collector’s item.

“Whether you are a collector of fashion or simply looking for a pair of unique Dr Martens – this is a truly rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind pair and know you are the only person in the world to have them,” says Carol.

Designers are: Denise L’Estrange-Corbet (World), Margi Robertson (Nom*D), Liz Findlay (Zambesi), Karen Walker, Tanya Carlson, Rachael Churchwood (Stylist), Camilla Martin (Bfm and C4), Jaquie Brown (C4), Nick Pharo (Bfm), Mikey Havoc (Bfm), Jono Pryor (The Rock FM and C4), Misery (Illicit Artist), Ben Stenbeck (Illicit Artist), Jon Toogood (Shihad) and the NZ AIDS Foundation.

Since making their first appearance on 1 April 1960, Dr Martens’ legendary ‘1460’ boots have been customised by artists, musicians and fashion icons. UK fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and music legends Joe Strummer of The Clash and Pete Townshend of The Who were all fans. This year, one of New Zealand’s leading designers, Margi Robertson of Nom D used Dr Martens in both her Summer collection fashion shoot and in her Winter 05 Fashion Week show.

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