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DR. MARTENS SPEAKS TO DEATH TO TENNIS

As part of our program of nurturing up and coming designers with a rebellious streak and unique sartorial point of view we caught up with Death to Tennis. The label is the result of a collaboration between two English designers. Based in vibrant New York City, Death to Tennis is classic menswear with a fresh, urban perspective and high attention to detail. Read on to learn how the fashionable duo got their start and what they stand for.  
 

Death To Tennis AW17 featuring Church boots
 
 
Tell us about how Death To Tennis began?
We started about 2012. We were both in the fashion industry and were working on a few different projects. We figured out that we’re both from the same town in the north of England, and that we’re both transplants in New York; one thing lead to another and we started Death to Tennis. To start, it was a very small collection, maybe three coats, and it’s all blossomed from there. 
 
Where did the name Death to Tennis come from?
Death to Tennis was just the perfect thing to roll with because it represents how we think. Once upon a time Tennis was the game of the elite and now we live in different times. People definitely remember us. We’ve had some tennis players come up to us and say “I love the name and that’s exactly how I feel about tennis.” 
 
Why did you want to use DM’s in this season’s show?
DM’s has a rebellious nature which our brand also has. When we saw the monkey boot style, we knew it was perfect. Yeah, we’re so glad you brought those back. That was definitely a style from my childhood. Dr. Martens were my first boots. 
 
DTT-2
Behind the scenes of Death To Tennis AW17.
 
 
What style were your first Dr. Martens?
I had the standard black Dr. Martens boots. I had the steel cap toe ones where you could actually kick someone and knock them out. I was about 16 or thereabouts. It was the first rebellious act, getting Dr. Martens boots. Yeah, we definitely think of rebellion when we think of Dr. Martens.
DTT has been described as refined street style. How would you describe your aesthetic?
We tend to describe it as adult streetwear. Like we think of our customer as being a guy whose worn street style clothing and wants to continue in the look, but he also has places to be where he can’t show up with cartoons on his tee shirt. 
 
Do you find that you appeal to an older customer because your looks have a refinement?
We have customers who are really young, who are older, and everything between. 
 
We’ve seen a lot of 90’s influence in fashion for the last few years, think that will continue?
No, it’s done now. I think they killed it this season (laughs).
Any other trends you’re excited about?
Trends come and go; at Death To Tennis we try to move beyond trend, we’re not really ones to follow trend. I mean it’s like you guys at Dr. Martens, you’re timeless. You move through different eras and different style, but always classic. That’s what we try to do too. 
 
Behind the scenes of Death To Tennis AW17.
 
 
Any new designers you have your eye on?
I hear Death To Tennis is the next big thing (laughs)! I mean for us it’s not about who’s hot next, it’s about who is going to be around in five years. That’s where we want to be. Not one of those brands that’s hyped today gone tomorrow. We want slow growth into everyone’s conscious of us and when you hear our name people are like, ‘oh yeah I know those guys.’ The designer of the day there is a lot of hype and you burn out, and that’s not what we strive to be. I guess, good clothes is good clothes. 
 
And finally, what does Death to Tennis stand for?
Longevity. Our pieces are timeless you can wear them 10 or 15 years from now and they will still make sense. 
 

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