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