“I wore Clarks all the way through the ‘90s, got lots of memories… I don’t think there is any other brand for me, really… I find it hard to even look at other brands… Clarks have never let me down.”
Liam Gallagher
Clarks, the iconic British footwear brand, is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a new documentary that honours two centuries of shoemaking excellence. Titled From Somerset to the World, the short film takes viewers through the evolution of Clarks, from its humble beginnings as a family-run business in 1825 to its status as a globally recognised name in fashion and culture.
Directed by New York artist Set Free Richardson and narrated by acclaimed American rapper Yasiin Bey, the documentary showcases the deep cultural impact of Clarks shoes across generations and continents. Featuring insights from various celebrities who have long been fans of the brand, the film highlights the brand’s enduring appeal.
Among the notable figures featured in the documentary is Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, a lifelong Clarks enthusiast. The legendary singer, known for his sharp style and love of classic menswear, reflects on his personal connection to Clarks. “My earliest memories of Clarks is probably when I’ve gone to school… because everyone was wearing them, they were all the rage back then,” Gallagher shares in the film.
Gallagher’s love for Clarks didn’t end with childhood. “I wore Clarks all the way through the ‘90s, got lots of memories… I don’t think there is any other brand for me, really… I find it hard to even look at other brands… Clarks have never let me down.” His passion for the brand remains strong today, as he gears up to launch his second collaboration with Clarks later this year.
The documentary also features an array of other cultural icons, including Wu-Tang Clan legends Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, designer Martine Rose, reggae icon Big Youth, singer Lila Iké, filmmaker Chris Robinson, and designer Danielle Cathari. Cathari, reflecting on Clarks’ timeless versatility, notes, “Clarks introduced me to footwear outside of sneakers… What I think Clarks represents for women today is versatility. You know, the little black dress is to apparel what Clarks is to footwear.”
Clarks, and in particular its legendary Wallabee silhouette, has long been a staple choice of footwear for British men inspired by ‘90s Britpop culture, music, and football. With its distinctive crepe sole and suede upper, the Wallabee became synonymous with the indie rock and football casuals aesthetic of the era. Worn by the likes of Gallagher, as well as countless other musicians and football fans, the shoe remains an enduring icon of effortless cool.
From the terraces to pubs and the stages of Glastonbury, Clarks shoes have been an essential part of British style. The brand’s ability to transcend trends while staying true to its roots is what makes it so beloved. The documentary not only celebrates Clarks’ rich history but also cements its place as a brand that continues to shape global fashion and culture.
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