Bratitude: Dr. Martens Edition

Predating Monster High, the Bratz dolls ruled the early 2000s. With Barbie becoming a bit bland and basic, these dolls offered a new, daring style. From forming their rock band, to taking over Hollywood, the Bratz inspired a new generation to be bold and take risks. Dr. Martens, the brand famously known for their black leather boots, recently collaborated with this 2000s giant. VALLEY is here to walk you through the ups, and downs, of this four piece collection.

Bold and Bratz-y

Starting off strong, and the most Dr. Marten-like, the first item is the 1B99 BEX BRATZ High Boots. The outside is black leather with pink stitching, laces and imprinted stars. A small Bratz dog tag and lip charm decorate the shoe’s leather. Adding even more sass, the heel is both dark and sparkling with glitter. 

The next item, the MATTISON BRATZ Strap Sandals, are more y2k coded. The sandals, offering the same glitter heel, star imprint and Bratz dog tag, include a pink, fluffy fur strap. Whereas the boots target the Dr. Marten customers, these stylish sandals clearly reference the mall aesthetic of the 2000s. Just picture your favorite celebrity wearing these while shopping in Victoria’s secret or gossiping on their Blackberry. 

The BUZZ BRATZ 5-Eye Shoes speak to a mix between the two brands. The shape of the shoe follows a Dr. Martens staple, yet the coloring and details are truly Bratz-y. Compared to the first two pairs, the outer layer is a cool purple. The black of the heel perfectly contrasts with this pastel color, making the shoes pop. Also, for fun, the eyelets for the laces are bedazzled with small, crystal gems. In this collaboration, the brands clearly showed up for each small detail. 

Last, but certainly not least, is the Hot Topic-esque MICRO HEART BAG BRATZ. Could there ever be a Bratz collaboration without accessories? Short answer: no. This black leather and pink, heart-shaped bag is arguably adorable and punk. In addition to the lip charm and dog tag, this bag shows off small gems that sparkle. Whether you’re headed to an emo function, or just walking around town, this bag is Bratz approved. 

The Fans Are… Somewhere?

In late March, Dr. Martens announced the collaboration and hinted at some of the designs. While most fans were happy to hear the news, there was some criticism about the items. The Bratz dolls have been historically known for their edgy and cool style. While the designs match this aesthetic to some degree, certain fans felt that more work could’ve been done. 

For one, the collection doesn’t include high platform boots. Throughout the decades, the dolls appeared in movies and toy stores wearing high-heeled shoes. Fans felt there was a lack of height and that this collaboration seemed a bit ordinary. While the shoes could’ve been more extreme and eye-catching, VALLEY is happy the two brands came together. Hopefully, the 2000s nostalgia will continue to grow and more y2k companies will reemerge. 

Do you think the collaboration is Bratz-y enough? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!

Related

Dressed Up Like A Doll

Meet VALLEY’s Fall 2024 Fashion Section Opener: Isa Middleton

GUTS World Tour is a Psychedelic Punk Rock Renaissance