Waay back when west London was cool, a unique subculture was born from a group of young creatives inspired by eclectic world styles, diverse muses and an emerging style press in The Face, Arena and i-D, led by the first self-described ‘stylist’ Ray Petri and taken to the big time when Neneh Cherry performed Buffalo Stance while heavily pregnant on Top of the Pops.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Buffalo collective, Dr. Martens have gathered together original members Neneh Cherry, photographer Jamie Morgan and artist Barry Kamen to create a film reel about the subculture, and a shoot that references original 80s Buffalo images from 80s style magazines.
“Tough mixed races boys in skirts and a pair of DM boots, utility sportswear with high fashion. Casting girls as boys, kids as men; breaking down boundaries and creating iconic images that changed the fashion industry forever,” Neneh Cherry explains over archive Buffalo images and film. “Buffalo was an attitude and a way of living, it stands for rebellious self expression, friendship and a fearless creative spirit,” she adds.
The Dr Martens autumn/winter 15 campaign was shot in true Buffalo style, with Jamie Morgan and Barry Kamen behind the scenes, featuring androgynous models in punk styles mixed with tailoring, military references and cross-cultural accents.