Maybe we’re jumping the gun a bit here but we’ve already started getting rather giddy about Clarks Originals autumnal output. Not only are there loads of ace new/old models on the horizon they’re also celebrating forty years of the divine Desert Trek shoe with a heavily Jamaican influenced re-launch (including a pair of Trojan Treks). A poignant celebration for me personally given that not only would I find it very hard to exist without suede shoes or Jamaican music in my life but also because I too am about to celebrate forty fun-filled years on the planet. And though like the Desert Trek I may have a line of vertical stitches bi-secting my entire body sadly I haven’t managed to stay as fresh and attractive looking as this crepe soled beauty.
Given their long-running connections to the reggae scene and to help celebrate the ever popular Desert Trek reaching middle-age, Clarks Originals are teaming up with Trojan records and four renowned DJs and producers for the #ORIGINALSREMIXED campaign. The aforementioned quartet comprising of TOKiMONSTA (US), Mighty Crown (Japan), Riva Starr (Italy) and Toddla T (UK) will all be putting their own unique spin on the Trojan classic ‘Let your yeah be yeah’ by The Pioneers as well as featuring in a series of films from each of the producers’ home towns where we’ll get to see them at work and play. Keep you eyes peeled over the next few months as the Originals site will be posting regular updates and lots of other exciting news and downloads
And just in case you wanted to know how and why this long-lasting love affair between a Somerset Quaker’s shoes and Kingston’s baddest musicians came about there’s a fantastic looking book out this October all about this cool yet somewhat unusual pairing. Created by Al Fingers whose previous work includes must-have tomes on Camouflage for Maharishi and (also on a reggae tip) a compilation of Greensleeves album covers for Stüssy Deluxe. ‘Clarks in Jamaica’ features quotes and photos from some of reggae’s biggest characters (as well as Clarks themselves) all giving thanks and praise to these most iconic of shoes in a way that only residents of Jam Rock can. So keep checking the Clarks Originals sites for updates.
