The History of Jamaica’s Love Affair With Clarks
In 1911 when Colonel Henry Emerson Smith became Clarks' first sales agent in Jamaica, the shoes did not sell well. But in the 1960's, a series of events occurred where by 1971, Jamaica was one of Clarks top-10 exporting countries where today the island is now synonymous with the brand.
Additional Knowledge
BOOKS
Clarks in Jamaica written by Al Fingers, photography by Mark Read
Brand Jamaica: Reimagining a National Image and Identity by edited by Hume Johnson and Kamille Gentles-Peart
ARTICLES
Alfred Gillet Trust: History of Clarks
Vogue: How Jamaica Fell for the Desert Boot: The Story of Reggae’s Love Affair With Clarks
Huckeberry: Mapping The Desert Boot’s Rise
FILMS
Clarks Originals - Major Stitch & The Rudeboys, (2017), directed by Storm Saulter
Clarks and Jamaica (2021), directed by Gabrielle Blackwood
Clarks and New York: Soles of The City (2022), directed by Set Free Richardson