What do David Bowie, Florence Welch, and MF DOOM have in common? A shared love for Clarks. This iconic footwear brand has become a cultural staple, transcending generations and traversing musical genres. From the stages of Glastonbury to the dancehalls of Jamaica, Clarks shoes are more than just footwear—they symbolize creativity and individuality in diverse subcultures.
From Somerset to the World: Clarks – A Visual History 1825–2025, authored by Alexander Newman and published by One Love Books, explores this rich heritage. The expansive 400-page volume charts Clarks’ remarkable journey from a family-run shoemaker to a global cultural phenomenon. Through a mix of archival imagery and contemporary photography, the book reveals how Clarks evolved into a symbol of style far beyond mere footwear.
Newman reflects on the intricate relationship between Clarks and music, noting, “My interest in Clarks grew from the way the company has been embraced across musical genres and subcultures.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Clarks—woven deeply into the fabric of culture, design, and the daily lives of millions.
The brand’s story traces back to its early associations with Black artists and communities, particularly in Jamaica. During the 1970s, the island’s rude boy subculture adopted Clarks as a fashion statement linking tailored looks with rebellion. The iconic Desert Boot and Wallabee became must-haves for DJs like Dennis Alcapone, worn in dancehalls as symbols of style and status.
As Jamaican immigrants made their way to New York, they carried Clarks’ cultural significance with them into hip-hop communities. Within this vibrant scene, DJs, MCs, and dancers embraced the brand, valuing its understated authenticity. Clarks transitioned into a quiet emblem of credibility—interweaving Caribbean influences with the early visual language of hip-hop and solidifying its place in Black urban style.
David Bowie’s striking appearance in Clarks Wallabees during his 1975 performance of “Fame” on Soul Train further propelled the shoes into the spotlight. This unexpected fashion choice marked them as a symbol of cool and helped launch Clarks into mainstream consciousness.
In the UK, Clarks have become synonymous with childhood rebellion, particularly reflected in the schoolyard. Influential figures like Jony Ive recall, “my early memories of Clarks were shaped by the slightly angst-ridden back-to-school ritual we endured every September.” This nostalgic familiarity has been recontextualized by artists over the decades, with figures from Liam Gallagher to Jorja Smith using the shoes’ commonality to emphasize their defiance on stage.
From Somerset to the World: Clarks – A Visual History 1825–2025 is a testament to this rich history, available now from onelovebooks.com. The book serves not only as a chronicle of the brand but as a reflection of its significant impact on culture and music, showing us that a simple pair of shoes can be a powerful symbol of identity and expression.
