London: A new documentary narrated by Yasiin Bey explores the rich history of Clarks shoes, from its humble origins in Somerset to its cultural impact, featuring insights from musicians and designers while celebrating two centuries of craftsmanship and influence in music and fashion.
A new documentary narrated by renowned artist Yasiin Bey has been released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the iconic British shoe brand Clarks. This film meticulously charts the journey of Clarks, beginning in a modest workshop in Street, Somerset, where brothers Cyrus and James Clark first crafted slippers from sheepskin cut-offs.
The documentary details the evolution of Clarks’ product line, highlighting the transformation from early slippers to the iconic Desert boot, designed by Nathan Clark in 1950. As it unfolds, the film features insights from Yasiin Bey, creative director Martine Rose, and a range of influential figures from the music and footwear industries. They explore the brand’s significant cultural impact globally.
One of the pivotal products explored in the film is the Wallabee, introduced in 1967. The Wallabee solidified Clarks’ reputation in music circles, becoming a prominent choice in the Jamaican ska and reggae movements of the 1970s, as well as being widely adopted in the US hip-hop scene in the 1980s.
Tim Crumplin, the archivist at the Shoemakers Museum, provided historical context, stating, “Somerset in 1825 was relatively cut off from the rest of the country, which required self-sufficiency and encouraged the Clark family to do things differently.”
Liam Gallagher, the legendary British musician, also reflects on his deep-seated connection with the brand in the documentary. He shared his experiences with Clarks, saying, “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… 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.”
Martine Rose, the British-Jamaican designer, reminisces about the brand’s significance in family traditions, stating, “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.”
The documentary assembles over 20 notable individuals across music, fashion, and even members of the Clarks family, all reflecting on the rich history of Clarks and presenting a vision for its future. The film encapsulates two centuries of Clarks, highlighting its enduring legacy and ongoing influence in contemporary culture.
Source: Noah Wire Services
