Over a decade after releasing the massive dancehall hit ‘Clarks’ with his then-mentor Vybz Kartel, dancehall star Popcaan has collaborated with the shoe brand.
Clarks announced the collaboration with a mini commercial on social media where Popcaan is seen in Somerset England, in search of the Clarks Orginials headquarters.
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The video showcased the new shoe, a Wallabee design with a bold red color scheme and striking camo print complemented by Popcaan’s signature “Unruly” wording throughout the pattern and insole.
Clarks Originals said in the post that the new design will be made available on November 10 at selected Jamaican retailers including Signature Style, Trevor’s Clothing, Accessories and Collectibles, Fashion Express and Cann’s Originals.
This collaboration will also be available via Clarks UK, US, EU, Japan and China, and in Clarks Originals stores in London, Manchester, Osaka, Tokyo and Beijing.
The collaboration is a full circle moment for the deejay, who had his big break in dancehall in 2010 with “Clarks”, a collaboration with Vybz Kartel. The success of the song caused a nationwide spike in sales of the British shoe. In 2011, Popcaan received the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Award for Best New Artist — Male and Collaboration of the Year for “Clarks”, which also won Song of the Year — Dancehall.
Clarks: Part of Jamaican fashion
The British shoe brand has long been part of Jamaica’s fashion culture, even prior to the country’s independence.
In 2021, Clarks paid homage to the island with a “Jamaica Pack” comprising the Desert Boot, Desert Trek and the Wallabee, each shoe is dressed in shades of yellow, green and black as a nod to the Jamaican national flag.
The company also announced several community initiatives through a partnership with Clarks brand ambassador, Jamaican-born British footballer Raheem Sterling, who has his own Clarks shoe.
Earlier this year, the brand also released a dancehall collection.
