How to change tomorrow? Make strides today. Originality, community and innovation are in the brand’s DNA, and as part of their mission to move forward and drive social progress, this autumn/winter the brand introduces their third collaboration – featuring two incredible voices and visionaries, as part of their global For The World Ahead campaign.
Launching 20.09.23, Clarks will give their platforms to iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer, artist and philanthropist Nile Rodgers, and critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Beabadoobee – uniting the wisdom of an unwavering legend with the vision of a new icon. The brand will share the pair’s unique experiences and perspectives on the world ahead: championing authentic connection, exploring how self-expression has shaped their lives, and highlighting the ever-growing importance of kindness and generosity to ourselves and others.
Each talent wears an autumn/winter iteration of Clarks’ latest hit silhouette – the Torhill, a revolutionised, vintage-inspired profile capturing the authentic, original and progressive values Clarks and the collective share.
Clarks’ Global Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Tara McRae, said:
“At Clarks, we feel that when we move together, small steps become big strides. Our mantra is to ‘empower everyone with the freedom to move comfortably’ – and Clarks makes shoes that accommodate that journey. We believe when people are comfortable, they can step into their best, brightest selves, which shapes a better world for global communities and future generations.
“Two incredible individuals who we feel have a history, and future, of building a stronger society are music legend Nile Rodgers and critically acclaimed artist Beabadoobee. Both originators and innovators, each is supremely talented in their own right – sharing our progressive values and wearing autumn/winter Clarks silhouettes just as iconic and game-changing as they are.”
To celebrate, Clarks hosted an event in July with Nile and Beabadoobee in attendance to mark the partnership with these two icons, and to raise awareness for the We Are Family Foundation. Also known as WAFF, the non-profit organisation founded in 2002 is dedicated to the vision of a global family – creating and supporting programmes that promote cultural diversity while nurturing and mentoring the vision, talents, and ideas of young people positively changing the world.
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MEET OUR CLARKS COLLECTIVE
NILE RODGERS
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, songwriter, producer, guitarist, debonair man about town, philanthropist – and now, self-proclaimed ‘Clarks dude’! From creating ground-breaking music to fostering a better world ahead through the We Are Family Foundation, Nile Rodgers’ incredible life impacts others in countless positive ways– the perfect partner for Clarks’ authentic spirit and change-championing collective.
Nile, on how kindness profoundly influences his world:
“The way my parents socialised me to believe in kindness and love shaped me. My mom was only 14 years old when she had me, so she became like my big sister much more than a typical parent. I grew up respecting people, be they old or young or what have you, and I got along with everybody. All my life I’ve been an activist – I joined the cub scouts at an early age and worked on programmes with people all my life; I’ve never stopped. There’s something so spiritually rewarding about seeing people’s lives that you’ve actually transformed. I think that that the people of the world should just be kinder and more open.”
BEABADOOBEE
Connection: it’s the source of possibility and wonder for Beabadoobee. The critically acclaimed Filipino musician’s refreshingly honest bedroom pop unites her with fans and represents future opportunities for Asian girls – the way that discovering incredible Asian women artists opened up Beabadoobee’s own world. Beabadoobee joins the Clarks collective to share her learnings in self-trust and confidence, expressing her one-of-a-kind energy in archive-inspired autumn/winter Clarks silhouettes.
Beabadoobee, on the power of representation to inspire self-belief:
“I think it’s really important to have confidence in yourself, and in your opinions. I was three when I left the Philippines. As a POC woman in a predominantly white all-girls school, I would inevitably feel alienated a lot – you try to be someone you’re not. I didn’t even bother singing or playing guitar, and then I found Karen O, and I found Lush – these amazing Asian women artists that really inspired me, and it makes me so happy to think I can be that person for at least one girl.”
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THE PRODUCT
From cutting-edge comfort to making moves in social change, Clarks innovate where others imitate. And the brand’s legendary design DNA inspires their autumn/winter collection – fusing expert craft, trailblazing technologies and super-relevant styling to create fresh takes on Clarks icons.
Worn by the equally iconic Clarks collective, Torhill once again leads the way this season. Underpinned by the Wallabee and Desert Boot’s instantly recognisable silhouettes, Torhill’s bold ’90 soles, advanced comfort, new hues and rich, responsible materials are primed to power every step through autumn and beyond. Striding into the world ahead? Clarks is ready.
TORHILL HI (Men’s)
As worn by Nile Rodgers
Remixing the iconic Clarks Wallabee with chunky ‘90s Big Gripper soles, Torhill Hi adds contemporary comfort via responsible suedes, innovative cushioning and mega grip. A progressive pair for change-makers and stride-takers.
CRAFTRALLY ACE (Men’s)
As worn by Nile Rodgers
Clarks’ next generation of sneakers has arrived. CraftRally Ace’s ‘70s-inspired silhouette, retro tennis aesthetic and lightweight comfort and flex keep style and comfort one step ahead this autumn.
CLARKHILL HI (Men’s)
As worn by Nile Rodgers
Classic Clarks craftsmanship meets tech fit for the world ahead: introducing Clarkhill Hi. Durable stitched leather uppers and ultra-grippy sawtooth soles create a modern take on authentic design that’s built to embrace the best of the season and beyond.
CRAFTRUN TOR (Women’s)
As worn by Beabadoobee
Move effortlessly through autumn in CraftRun Tor. Lightweight flex and cushioning empower every step – and retro runner vibes cinch authentic style that’s crafted for the world ahead.
ORIANNA 2 HIKE (Women’s)
As worn by Beabadoobee
Amp up autumn looks with the outdoor-inspired styling of Orianna 2 Hike. Built with bold grip, chunky lugged soles serve up trending cool and cold-weather confidence, all set for striding into the season ahead.
COLDEN UP (Women’s)
As worn by Beabadoobee
Ultra-sleek, ultra-wearable – meet your newest ankle boot for effortless AM to PM dressing. Colden Up’s jewel-toned suede uppers and pillowy foam footbeds wrap feet in luxurious comfort, finished with chunky block heels for easy style elevation, every day.
TORHILL BEE (Women’s)
Laid-back vibes, super-sized silhouette – step boldly in Torhill Bee. Channelling the statement ‘90s style of our Big Gripper, mega cushioned comfort meets responsibly sourced Wallabee uppers to create autumn/winter’s ultimate sneaker alternative.
