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Nine Inch Nails and Dr. Martens team up on a new compilation in honor of the 30th anniversary of the band's multi-platinum second album, The downward spiral.
First debuted on July 8 and officially unveiled on Monday (July 15), the upcoming footwear collection features artwork from the Grammy-nominated album and a design inspired by NIN's unforgettable live performances.
“This partnership makes so much sense,” John Crawford, the band's creative director, said in a statement. “Not only because of the countless fans I've seen wearing Dr. Martens at NIN concerts over the years (myself included), but because NIN and Dr. Martens are both known for rejecting convention and expectation in favor of innovation, with their signature ability to transcend genres and styles in a way that is unique to each individual who experiences them. The goal was always to make this collection feel as authentically Nine Inch Nails as possible, and I think that through working closely with Doc's team we've achieved that.”
The collection includes a 10-eye 1490 boot inspired by the band's pre-show ritual. The lace-up boot is made from embossed black and white Backhand leather and features an ankle zip on the side.
The eight-eye 1460 collab features the album by artist Russell Mills as well as other references to the album. It also features a commando sole and multiple fastening options, including a branded ankle zip.
For those looking for a shoe rather than a boot, the collection includes 1461 pieces with three eyes that feature The downward spiralCrystal teeth artwork and album name printed in subtle gloss.
The fourth piece of footwear in the collection is one that fans won't be able to purchase, although a lucky few will be gifted a pair. The 1490 10 mesh boot features all-black leather embossed with album artwork. According to the press release, the boot is “a fitting tribute to the unique bond shared by the band and those who have supported them for decades.”
Crawford participated in a Reddit AMA discussing the “inspiration and design choices behind the collaboration.” The AMA was held from 8 to 9 a.m. PT on July 15. Fans could submit questions in advance for a chance to win one of five pairs of the fan-exclusive boot.
Dr. Martens X NIN Collaboration: Reddit AMA with John Crawford
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The Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens drops Friday July 19 at drmartens.com and select retailers. Until then, fans can click here to sign up to be first in line to be notified when the collection arrives and hit up the Reddit AMA for more details on the giveaway.
The downward spiral, released in 1994, became a pivotal album for Trent Reznor, the band's mastermind. The critically acclaimed LP debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to sell nearly four million copies.
Atticus Ross, who joined NIN in the early 2000s and has become an Oscar-winning duo with Reznor, teased that he was “excited” to work on a new album. “I think we're at a place now where we have an idea,” he said GQ in April, as Ross and Reznor discussed their new media company — With Teeth — and hinted at upcoming projects. NIN's music is currently featured in his new season The bear.
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