Iconic British shoe brand Clarks is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year by teaming up with another icon — London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. The two are collaborating on a licensed footwear collection that’s bowing this month.
The offering was timed for the debut of the museum’s exhibition, “Shoes: Pleasure and Pain,” co-sponsored by Clarks and taking place at the museum through January 2016.
The men’s, women’s and children’s styles are inspired by the 1950s Teddy Boy look and 1980s club culture. According to Lauren Sizeland, director of business development and licensing at the museum, it was fulfilling to work with a brand that also has a great British heritage.
Roy Gardner, group director of category marketing at C&J Clark International, noted that the company had admired the textile and fashion collection at the museum and had been seeking the right opportunity to join forces on a project.
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This is the second time this spring that Clarks has been involved in the art world. The company recently partnered with The HALO Trust, a British landmine-removal charity, to present “Clarks: Rebooted,” an artist initiative celebrating the 65th anniversary of its iconic Desert boot. Proceeds from the sale of original artwork and companion art-inspired boots will be donated to The HALO Trust.
