Martine Rose’s collaboration with Clarks has become a testament to the power of comfort and style. The designer’s inner circle wore the techy sandals from their first collaboration all summer long, and Rose herself was a devoted fan. “We didn’t take them off!” she exclaims, referring to the two-strap shoes that debuted in smooth leather and snake-print. Comfort was at the heart of the first collection, and this second iteration continues to focus on the “democracy of comfort” that defines the nearly 200-year-old British brand.
Rose’s inspiration stemmed from her initial exploration of Clarks’ archives. “It was the one thing that stood out. The real care, attention, and focus that’s given to comfort was really impressive,” she shares with Vogue. “I wanted to put that at the forefront of the storytelling.” This commitment to comfort extends beyond just the physical feel of the shoes; it reflects the trust, reliability, and quality that Clarks represents.
Rose sees the relationship with Clarks as mirroring the connection many have with the brand. “I think what’s so nice about my relationship with Clarks is that it reflects most people’s relationship with Clarks,” she explains. “It’s the first place you go when you hand your baby over for their first shoes.” Her Jamaican heritage adds another layer to this connection. “And being of Jamaican heritage, Clarks Originals caught this other life in Jamaica – a cultural life that really impacted me in a different way.”
The new collection features puffy slingbacks, brogues, clogs, and a fresh take on the archival Torhill silhouette, all designed for comfort and a touch of subversion. The collection’s versatility is evident in the campaign featuring arborists from Clarks’ native Somerset, who scaled trees in the shoes, highlighting their everyday wearability.
“They’re everyday shoes for everyone,” Rose emphasizes, speaking to the familiar shapes she chose to adapt from the archive. “I wanted that familiarity. I wanted to make the everyday special.” The Martine Rose X Clarks collection is now available at Martine-rose.com and Selfridges.com, offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and cultural heritage.