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Art

DIY DOCS: MOLLIE TUGGLE

Mollie Tuggle’s aesthetic is distinct: her psychedelic art would look right at home on a Doors poster … from 1969. With strong lines and powerful use of color and font, Mollie’s bold, cosmic illustrations have graced everything from Cat Power show posters to sculptures and murals (including a DM’s one for our stage at this year’s SXSW) — and now, the white Pascal Virginia. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her recent move to LA, her musical favorites and the inspiration behind her DIY Doc’s.

Tell us more about yourself:
My name is Mollie Tuggle, and I’m an artist originally from San Francisco. I recently relocated to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas, where for the last five years I created hand-drawn, screen-printed gig posters, album covers, and merch design for musicians and festivals. I also do logo, merch, banner and mural design for clothing brands.

Last time we spoke, you had just created a 40 foot mural for Dr. Martens’ SXSW stage. Now you’re working on our boots. Which project did you enjoy more?
Murals are among my favorite projects: the larger the canvas, the more space to let my imagination wander. I also love making art associated with music — I find it incredibly inspiring. So I really enjoyed working on the SXSW art.

Talk us through your customized Dr. Martens. What was your inspiration? What were the challenges?
I wanted the art to be cohesive with the SXSW mural, with that same 60s, free-spirited, colorful, festival feel. The color palette was inspired by an amazing bright peach bodysuit made by Solstice Intimates — I’m wearing it in these photos. I knew I wanted the same art I used for the boots to be projected behind me for this photo shoot. So the boots reflect the overall look: the bodysuit, the white couches … a general feel of summer nights. The challenge was the limited amount of space.

What was the last song you listened to?
Shaker, by Cosmonauts.

What are your top three desert island albums?
Most difficult question to answer ever! I feel like it changes for me weekly. But all right. In no particular order:
1. 5’ll Getcha Ten – Cowboy

2. Bringing It All Back Home – Bob Dylan

3. Stoned + Dethroned – The Jesus & Mary Chain

You just moved to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas. What do you miss most about Texas, and what are you loving about living in LA?
Right now, I’m currently melting, wishing I was a quick bike ride away from the Natural Springs in Austin, where I basically lived all summer long. So, aside from people, that’s definitely what I miss most. I love LA in general: I love having museums to visit, I love that the beach is 20 mins away, I love the amazing food and culture — and I love the Southern California colors, like the poppies, palm trees and beaches …

Mollie’s DIY free-spirited, summer-of-love boots are on display at our Santa Monica store right now — drop by during the month of July to enter to win a pair of similar boots customized by Mollie. 

Photography by Will Mederski.

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