Clarks in Jamaica by Al Fingers
Clarks in Jamaica is a colourful, in-depth study intoClarks’ celebrated status in Jamaica, where for decades they have ruled as the“champion shoes”. Starting with the origins of the Clarks brand in 1825,the book goes on to detail the arrival of the brand in the West Indies over 100years ago, the adoption of the Desert Boot as the rude boy and Rasta shoeof choice in the 1960s, and the filtering of this popularity into reggae anddancehall song lyrics.
Featuring current and historic photographs, interviews andnever-before-seen archive material, this classic style reference explores howfootwear made by a Quaker firm in the quiet English village of Street,Somerset became the “baddest” shoes in Jamaica and an essential part of theisland’s culture.
This revised and updated second edition includes interviews with dancehallartists such as Ninjaman, Chronixx and Jahvillani, behind-the-scenesphotographs from the film Rockers, insights into Jamaica’sfavourite styles of Clarks from former company employees involved in theircreation, and an expanded chapter on Jamaican style and fashion, detailingthe histories of Jamaican fashion staples such as the string vest (meshmarina), Arrow shirt, knits ganzie and beaver hat.
Beautifully presented and thoroughly researched, Clarks in Jamaica isa fitting tribute to Clarks’ deep roots in Jamaican culture and the richcultural exchange that has taken place between Jamaica and the UK.
Researched, written and designed by Alexander Newman AKA DJ Al Fingers.
Chief photographer Mark Read.
——
Second edition, published 27 April 2021 (UK) / 1 June 2021 (worldwide)
ISBN: 978-0-9567773-9-3
223 × 287 × 25 mm, 240 pp, hardback
197 colour illustrations / 192 black & whiteillustrations
