Words by Natalie Weiner—
Clarks. Vybz Kartel, Scorcher, and Damian Marley are just a few of the Jamaican artists who’ve sung the praises of the venerable British brand, whose classic styles have been an integral part of Jamaican fashion for over 30 years. (For a complete list, check the graphic below). Seriously — the Jamaica-Clarks connection is so storied there’s even a book about it.
In recent years, the brand has been partnering with an ever-growing number of artists in recognition of its iconic status in the music world. Though no Jamaican acts have been tapped as of yet, the latest artist to team with the brand has some Caribbean roots. That’s right—mysterious, metalfaced, New York-raised rapper MF DOOM is joining the ranks as the latest artist to collaborate on a special edition of the Wallabee shoe. And, yes, he’s part Trini (as well as Zimbabwean-British).
The design, in DOOM’s words, is his answer to the question “What could we do to add a little metal face touch to them, without taking away that feel?” – namely, the “classy yet casual” feel that has made the brand so popular. Hear more from the elusive artist himself in the video below, as he expands on his aesthetic philosophy. The shoes are set to drop March 14th — check them out if you’re looking for some Clarks that add a New York, streetwise edge to the style’s classic Caribbean cred.