Clarks in Jamaica

Clarks in Jamaica tells the story of the phenomenal popularity of Clarks shoes in Jamaica – from their initial journey from the quiet village of Somerset to the West Indies one hundred years ago, through to their adoption as the rudeboy and Rasta shoe of choice during the 1960s, and the filtering of this popularity into reggae and dancehall song lyrics.

Featuring current and historic photographs, new interviews and never-before-seen material from the Clarks archive, particular focus is on the Jamaican singers, producers and musicians who have worn and sung about Clarks shoes throughout the years, including Little John, Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Jah Thomas, Henry "Junjo" Lawes, Trinity and many more.

In the words of Jamaican producer Bunny "Striker" Lee: “From ever since, Clarks is a number one shoe inna Jamaica. Not just now, I’m talking from the 1950s come right up… Clarks stand the test of time inna Jamaica. All other shoes come and bow down at Clarks’ Foot.”

Written and designed by Al Fingers. Photographs by Mark Read. Archive photographs by Beth Lesser, Peter Simon, Dave Hendley and others.

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Clarks in Jamaica 用大量的收藏照片、攝影作品及文宣檔案敘述這近百年來 Clarks 在牙買加引起的有趣流行現象，並進一步從雷鬼音樂、藝術、流行及街頭文化角度述說 Clarks 乃至於英國與牙買加的歷史與政治關係。全書由 Al Fingers 撰寫及設計，Mark Read 主導攝影，並收錄 Beth Lesser、Peter Simon 及 Dave Hendley 等人的大量稀有圖文收藏。