In Conversation with Bridie Husband: From First Pair to First Design

Hi there,

When I was 15, I begged my mom for my first pair of Dr. Martens, and eventually, she gave in. I got the black 1460 smooth leather lace-up boots – it doesn’t get more classic than this. Those boots marked the start of my adventurous teenage years: shifting from nights in, to sneaking out to meet friends in the park at night (sorry, Mom). More than anything, those boots made me feel empowered, and that feeling, along with the same pair, has stayed with me to this day.

For this edition of the Trends on Ice interview series, I was beyond excited to sit down with one of the footwear designers at Dr. Martens: Bridie Husband. Bridie joined the DM’s team in 2021 as a designer for the kids’ category, but quickly moved into her current role in 14XX, where she focuses on pure design exploration. From reviving archival models to developing new design methods, she plays a pivotal role in shaping what Dr. Martens looks and feels like for a whole new generation.

Below, you’ll find Bridie’s take on everything from reviving archival classics to navigating a world constantly shaped by trends–enjoy!

Yours truly,

Chiara

Cover Visual: Anastasia Gviniachvili

Chiara: What made you choose footwear design specifically?

Bridie: Becoming a footwear designer was always the dream, and after studying Fashion Design and Marketing at university, I landed a spot on a graduate scheme where I got to work across a lot of different brands. That eventually led to an amazing opportunity with Dr. Martens, a company I have always loved, so wrapping up my first design rotation was a really proud moment!

C: I heard you’ve been part of the Dr. Martens universe since you were 15. What’s a standout memory where your Docs stayed with you every step of the way?

B: I’ve been wearing Doc’s religiously since I was a teenager, and I have a great memory of a pair of 8053 shoes I bought on my first trip to New York. I wore them into the ground. Every time I’m packing for a trip back, I think about those shoes. 

C: What design from your time at Dr. Martens feels the most ‘you’ and why?

B: There’s something really special about giving an archive style a fresh spin. We keep the heritage feel by drawing from the original designs, but tweak things like the shape, height, and colour. The Buzz shoe, specifically in leopard print, is one of my favourite designs – I love its expressive chunky sole and clash of textures. It’s a great alternative to sneakers for when you want something a bit more elevated as it can be styled with anything. 

C: What has been your most unexpected source of design inspiration? 

B: Perhaps not unexpected, but I find a lot of my creativity and inspiration comes from exploring new cities. Whether it’s visiting galleries and local spaces or just people watching as I never fail to see something new. 

C:  What is your definition of a trend? 

B: I would describe trends as momentums from the past that resurface and get reinterpreted by new generations. For me, it’s important to stay true to my roots when designing footwear, but when it comes to colour, I enjoy drawing inspiration from trends and exploring them more playfully.

C: Do you think there’s still room for innovation in shoe design, especially considering today’s trend cycle often leans on reviving and reinterpreting retro styles? How did it go with the reinterpretation of the Elphie? 

B: There’s definitely still space for innovation in footwear, even with today’s trend cycle often solely focusing on the reinterpretation of retro styles. I actually believe that’s where a lot of the creative opportunity lies: rethinking familiar silhouettes in a way that feels relevant now. 

The Elphie model first dropped back in AW14 – it’s our take on the classic ballet flat, with a tougher, more Doc’s edge. Since we usually work about 18 months to two years ahead of launch, planning for SS25 meant thinking about what from the past could work now. The Elphie just made sense – not only were we keen to revisit slimmer silhouettes, but there’s been loads of buzz online with people asking (and petitioning!) for its return. 

C: Is there one shoe trend you’re loving right now, or one you wish would disappear?

B: I’ve definitely noticed a shift away from sneakers lately, which I’ve really been enjoying. It’s not that I don’t appreciate a good sneaker – it’s just that I’m a huge footwear fan, and I get pretty obsessed with craftsmanship and design details. More people are leaning towards shoes that offer comfort, function, and versatility, but with a bit of fun. There’s also a growing love for lower-profile styles and a big interest in clean, premium designs that blend classic appeal with a modern twist. 

C:  In your opinion, what’s the soul of a Dr. Martens shoe? 

B: The soul of a shoe, for me, is the sole. It’s not just a design element; it’s a piece of functional craftsmanship that’s built to last. It also represents what Dr. Martens is known for: durability, functionality, and character. The classic air-cushioned sole represents both comfort and resilience, and it’s what makes a Dr. Martens boot or shoe instantly recognisable. Over time, it carries both the weight of the person wearing it and the experiences they’ve had in it. That’s where I believe the soul lives.

As told to Aa Magazine