Clarks Jamaica Collection Inspring Fashion Worldwide! #clarks #international #trading #reggae #british #shoe #manufacturer #fashion #retailer #dancehall #cyrusjames #Eurpoe #WestIndian #england #jamaican

    DESERT JAMAICA, DESERT BOOT, JAMAICAN BEE

Clarks International Limited trading as Clarks is a British International Shoe Manufacturer and Retailer. It was founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark in Somerset, England where it still has its headquarters.

The company is “described as a brand steeped in British history.” 

We read on the company’s website: “After years of developing trade and award winning designs, Clarks went one step further in 1873 when James’ son William mechanized the shoemaking process bringing the company to the forefront of technological innovation. By the early 1910s Clarks became a must-have brand among the style conscious in London, with new premium and fashion forward designs developed for discerning customers.”

When I was a child growing up in rural Jamaica my parents sent me off to boarding school in capital city Kingston. One of the things I recall clearly was the pair of Clarks shoes that they packed in my suitcase. The shoes were beautiful – made of soft, thick, black leather. 

That was then. 

This is now. Fast forward to 2021 and here is an interesting article by Richard Johnson in The Jamaica Observer newspaper March 17, 2021 titled “CLARKS Continues Jamaica Trek”.

“British Shoe Company Clarks continues to have a healthy relationship with Jamaicans and the Jamaican culture.

In its latest ode to the island the iconic shoe brand has released three new styles which it says pays tribute to the individuality that the country is so famous for.” it reads.

Jamaica, a little dot on a map of the world; in between the large continents of North and South America, south of the curving piece of land called Cuba.

Wikipedia says “Jamaica has a small area of 4,244 sq. miles. It is in the Caribbean Sea in the Greater Antilles and is the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean. It has a coastline of 635 miles. Its highest elevation 7,402 feet. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola. Population estimated to be about 2.7 million.”

Yet from this little island (the third largest in the Caribbean Sea) originally called Xaymaca or “Land of Wood and Water” by the Tainos who lived there, have come outstanding people.  Among them are Marcus Garvey, Norman Washington Manley, Alexander Bustamante, Louise Bennett, Bob Marley, Johnny Barnes, Toots Hibbert, Usain Bolt, Chronixx .

“We are proud to have been part of island life for almost 60 years now.” the company said. “Jamaica has given us so much love over the years. As a way of saying thank you we are working with communities across the island and making donations to charitable organizations that really make a difference.”

The company “has reworked three of its most iconic styles the limited edition Desert Boot, renamed Desert Jamaica, which sees the striking green and gold stitching accentuating the classic black suede upper. The second shoe is a desert boot which comes in a bold yellow. The third is a take on the Wallabee Boot known as the Jamaican Bee.

“Proud to have been part of island life!  Jamaica has given us so much love.”

Richard Johnson’s article is uplifting, and informative – please read it. 

#clarks #international  #trading #reggae #british #shoe #manufacturer #fashion #retailer #dancehall #cyrusjames #Eurpoe #WestIndian #england #jamaican

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