Imagine a brand which began in a small English town and has grown to be a global icon loved by everyone, from hip-hop legends to reggae musicians. Clarks is celebrating their amazing 200-year journey in a new documentary called From Somerset to the World. Here’s the real problem: How can a brand feel so fresh and relevant after two centuries? Let’s explore the magic behind Clarks’ timeless legacy.
The world was very different 200 years ago. There were no automobiles, no telephones and no airplanes. In a small village called Street, Somerset the Clark family started making shoes with an independent spirit that would change world. Today, Clarks is the most recognized footwear brand on the planet. How did they achieve this? How did they do it?
From Somerset to the World, is more than just a movie. It’s a love-letter to a brand which has been a part our lives for many generations. The documentary, directed by Set Free Richardson and narrated by Yasiin bey, features interviews with icons such as Liam Gallagher and Ghostface Killah. Each of them shares how Clarks became much more than just shoes. They became a part their culture and lives.
Clarks’ journey has been remarkable because it is intertwined in so many cultures. Clarks became a symbol for style and identity in Jamaica, loved by reggae musicians and ordinary people alike. In Japan, Clarks Desert Boots became a fashion staple in the 1960s, and were popularized by the “Ivy League”. Clarks has left their mark in New York City as shown in the documentary Soles of the City 2022. This isn’t a brand, it’s a worldwide phenomenon.
Clarks’ dedication to quality craftsmanship is what sets them apart. They developed shoemaking methods that are still in use today. Their shoes are not just products, but pieces of art that are designed to last. They also tell a story. Clarks has remained timeless in a world of trends that come and go because they focus on heritage and quality.