Somerset: British footwear company Clarks marks its 200th anniversary by releasing a documentary narrated by Yasiin Bey. It explores the brand’s history, cultural impact, and global influence, featuring contributions from notable figures like Liam Gallagher and Lila Ike?, premiering on February 5, 2025.
British footwear company Clarks is commemorating its 200th anniversary with a documentary that chronicles its remarkable journey from its origins in the picturesque county of Somerset to influential cities such as Manchester, New York, and Kingston. The film is narrated by US cultural icon Yasiin Bey and directed by Set Free Richardson, aiming to highlight Clarks’ evolution, cultural significance, and worldwide impact.
Tim Crumplin, the archivist at the Shoemakers Museum, reflects on the historical context of the brand’s beginnings, stating, “200 years ago, the world would not have contained the telegraph, telephone, motor vehicles and aeroplanes. The first-ever public steam railway had only just been invented.” He further emphasised the independence of Somerset in 1825, which fostered a spirit of innovation within the Clark family.
Clarks is well-regarded for its children’s shoes, timeless adult styles, and renowned comfort. In the documentary, prominent figures share their ties to the brand. Liam Gallagher, lead singer of Oasis, reminisces, “My earliest memories of Clarks is probably when I’ve gone to school… because everyone was wearing them, they were all the rage back then.” British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose adds, “Whenever your child gets their first pair of shoes, Clarks is the first place that you go, so that you know their width, so that you know their depth, so that you know the size of their little feet.”
Gallagher, who is set to unveil his second collaboration with Clarks this year, expresses his loyalty to the brand, stating, “I wore Clarks all the way through the ‘90s, got lots of memories… I don’t think there is any other brand for me, really… I find it hard to even look at other brands… Clarks have never let me down.”
As Clarks expanded its presence internationally, its distinctive approach to shoemaking attracted a diverse following. Notably, the brand’s strong connection to Jamaican culture is explored in the film. Jamaican reggae artist Lila Ike? remarks, “If you know anything about Jamaicans, it’s that if anything is coming from overseas, it’s worshiped. There’s something really special about Clarks.” DJ Becca Dudley, who is also involved in the Jamaican music scene, adds, “[Clarks] was this aspirational, premium, expensive British brand that everybody wanted to get their hands on.”
Jamaican musician Big Youth notes that Clarks became a popular choice among youths who could afford it, demonstrating the brand’s status as a prized item within certain communities. In the United States, Clarks found its place during the golden era of hip-hop. Ghostface Killah recalls, “In the golden era, like 1988-89, when it was multiple pairs of sneakers that were popping… Clarks was right there with them.” Chris Robinson, the director of Ghostface’s famous Apollo Kids video, mentions the iconic use of Clarks in the production, highlighting the need for extensive quantities of the footwear, “We just bought as many Clarks as possible, then we wanted to dye them,” referencing the renowned scene where Wallabees were colourfully transformed using paint.
The documentary also delves into Clarks’ influence in Asia. W. David Marx, author of “Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style,” explains how Japanese youth, often constrained by school uniforms and unable to dress freely, embraced Clarks’ designs. He notes the crucial role that magazines played in introducing styles like the Chukka Boot and the Desert Boot to Japanese audiences. Terry Zhu, founder of Shanghai brand DOE, highlights the enduring relevance of Clarks, stating, “My first impression of Clarks is Desert Boot— definitely it is a timeless design. Whether I am in a formal look or sporty casual style, Clarks is always the first choice.”
This documentary not only encapsulates Clarks’ ongoing global relevance but also honours its origins and future aspirations. It is set to be released globally on the Clarks and Clarks Originals Instagram channels on February 5, 2025, where viewers can engage with the brand’s rich history and cultural significance.
Source: Noah Wire Services
