The History of Jamaica’s Love Affair With Clarks

Disclaimer: Since the release of this episode, bulla has now been reintroduced in Jamaican public schools as singular packets where most students receive it with water.

In 1911 when Colonel Henry Emerson Smith became Clarks' first sales agent in Jamaica, the shoes did not sell well. But in the 1960's, a series of events occurred where by 1971, Jamaica was one of Clarks top-10 exporting countries where today the island is now synonymous with the brand.

Additional Knowledge

BOOKS

• Clarks in Jamaica written by Al Fingers, photography by Mark Read

• Brand Jamaica: Reimagining a National Image and Identity by edited by Hume Johnson and Kamille Gentles-Peart

ARTICLES

• Alfred Gillet Trust: History of Clarks

• Vogue: How Jamaica Fell for the Desert Boot: The Story of Reggae’s Love Affair With Clarks

• Huckeberry: Mapping The Desert Boot’s Rise

FILMS

• Clarks Originals - Major Stitch & The Rudeboys, (2017), directed by Storm Saulter

• Clarks and Jamaica (2021), directed by Gabrielle Blackwood

• Clarks and New York: Soles of The City (2022), directed by Set Free Richardson