Words by Jason “J-Rockaz” Orford
Trendwatchers know that Clarks have stood the test of time while effortlessly (it seems) crossing into the streetwear fashion culture that was vibrant prior to the recession. This is partly due to brand loyalty that just won’t quit, and partly due to the fact that Clarks Originals has been steadily engaging in strategic collaborations with all the right people, satisfying the collector’s urge by multiplying styles and color-ways. In the process they seem to have carved out a niche in the post-recession economy as the shoe for sneakerheads who have outgrown sneakers–with a little help from a certain dancehall deejay, of course. If you’ve been tuning in for a while now, you already know how much we here at LargeUp have always appreciated a fine pair of Clarks–like, since way before the Vybz Kartel hit made waves. That goes double for yours truly and Fashion Week seemed like the perfect opportunity to talk about where I see this shoemaker headed and render a list of some the coolest Clarks mine eyes have seen. Can I get an “Amen?” Chu’ch.