THE ORIGINALS SERIES: PYER MOSS

We’re celebrating our birthday at Dr. Martens this year by highlighting creative individuals across the world who are originals in their own fields; whether that be art, music, or fashion. Dr. Martens Originals styles have become iconic over time, worn by authentic characters who embody rebellious self-expression. In these interviews, we recognise the creative individuals who inspire us, and find out who they are and what they stand for.  
 
Today we speak to Kerby Jean-Raymond, the innovative designer behind Pyer Moss, who worked with Dr. Martens to style his SS16 collection. 
 

 
 
For those who don’t know Pyer Moss how would you sum it up in one sentence?
Pyer Moss is a luxury athletic wear company based out in NYC, it was started by necessity, a need to have functional clothing that fit well with materials that last. 
 
Your recent AW16 collection took inspiration from mental health. Could you explain this further?
In September of 2015, I held a runway show for SS16. It was more or less an art installation that utilized mixed media formats to bring light to the explosions happening across the country as it pertained to police brutality and the black lives matter movement. Though the response was overwhelmingly positive, I couldn’t help but focus on the negative comments I’d been seeing here and there. I’m flawed that way. I’m a perfectionist. The pressure to do interviews and continue to speak on the subject drove me to go to LA for a bit. I thought it would be a permanent move, it didn’t stick. I got really depressed out there and then I channelled that energy into the AW16 collection. It was a dark conversation about a fragile mind state. Something we all go through but often don’t know how to deal with or overcome.  
 

 
 
How was it working with Erykah Badu in this collection?
She’s amazing. She’s my spirit animal. We connected and understood each other immediately. It’s rare to find a synergy like that. She says we knew each other before we knew each other.  
 
Do you feel a sense of responsibility as a designer to use your platform as a way of raising awareness for issues?
Hell yeah. I think as humans we have to look out for each other. Doesn’t matter if I was a janitor or a pilot, you should expect me to be a compassionate person.  
 

 
 
Can you explain why you chose to use Dr. Martens White Mono 1460 Boot in your SS16 collection?
It’s a classic silhouette. Gregory Siff is a genius and needed a canvas like the Mono 1460 Boot to really get his ideas out. We both grew up wearing docs and this was the perfect silhouette for the message.  
 
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion means current. Being current, acknowledging the present, preparing for the future. Style is different, style is eternal. You can’t prepare style, you can’t show style; it’s a non-verbal form of communication. Fashion is a message board.  
 

 
 
How would you describe your personal style?
Not. That. Serious. 
 
Find out more about Pyer Moss on his website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 
 
To celebrate our birthday, find out how you could win tickets and accommodation at Festival No.6 here.