Jamaica’s continued love affair with the British shoe company, Clarks, is as strong as ever. Many of the brands lovers joined in on the 200th anniversary celebrations for the beloved footwear in an intimate, invite-only event held at Itopia on West King’s House Road on Friday night.

Patrons donned their favourite pair of Clarks as they gathered to indulge in food, games, and music.

From designing one’s dream pair of Clarks to getting a pair of the iconic footwear customised or cleaned on site, the event solidified the brand’s significance on local soil.

It was a unique affair marking a milestone moment for an even more unique brand. The event came alive courtesy of a full-service food court that served up delectable eats and mixed cocktails.

Asked about the event, organiser Travis-John “Habibi” Bailey, project manager at Wengi Kofia Consultancy, said: “I can’t even put into words what it feels like working with a global brand like Clarks. Jamaica loves Clarks. Not just because of [Vybz] Kartel in dancehall, but ages before that. It’s been the footwear of choice for a lot of Jamaicans, and it’s a monumental moment being able to celebrate 200 years of a brand,” he said. “There are other brands that are sold heavily in Jamaica, but they don’t really try to activate or do anything on home soil. Tonight is about community. It’s not a party. Clarks has always been as hyped about Jamaica as Jamaica is about it. This event cements that fact. You’re not being forced to buy anything, even though we have Clark’s on sale. You’re really just here to meet, mingle, and have fun.”

Bailey went on to explain that the mingle was designed so patrons could connect with other Clarks lovers in the same way they connect with the shoe.

“In the same way you know your shoes won’t leave you a road when you wear Clarks, it’s the same way when you turn up here you’ll realise you have a community,” quipped Bailey.

Bailey expressed that Clarks has been committed to its philanthropic efforts in Jamaica.

“Clark’s has always been big on giveback… Last year they were a part of Lila Ike’s back-to-school treat, where they gave away a number of shoes. Those are not things they will talk about or put in the media, but they continue to partner with many to put smiles on the faces of many Jamaicans,” he said.

Karen Smith-D’Aguilar, owner of Signature Styles, the first local affiliate store for Clarks Originals, said the 200th anniversary of the brand is in keeping with her one-year anniversary of operations.

Smith-D’Aguilar, who made a name for herself selling authentic Clarks Originals in downtown Kingston back in 1995, said she was thrilled to be a part of the milestone celebrations. For her, Clarks holds a dear place in her heart and continues to be humbled by the fact that she managed to become the operator of the iconic brand’s first affiliate store in Jamaica.

“It’s an awesome feeling to know that I am the person who brought Clark’s to Jamaica officially in store form because Clark’s has been here for many years… This year marks 30 years since I have been selling Clarks, and I am so grateful for my customers who always come back, and I am looking forward to giving them more as I contemplate expansion,” she said. “Signature Styles is looking to expand to Montego Bay, the second city, and I am looking forward to bringing more styles, more colours, more authentic Clarks to Jamaica.”

In 2021, Clarks released three new styles of the iconic footwear sporting the Jamaican colours. 

Karen Smith-D’Aguilar, owner of Clarks-affiliate store Signature Styles, joins in on Friday night’s celebrations.

Dana Gooden, assistant project manager at Wengi Kofia Consultancy, and Project Manager Travis-John “Habibi” Bailey strike a pose for our lens at the Clarks 200th anniversary celebration on Friday..

The story of Clarks was on full display at the event, showing the footwear’s evolution over its 200-year existence.