The Clarks story began in 1825 near the mystical Glastonbury Tor, where brothers Cyrus and James Clark crafted the Brown Petersburg slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. This humble beginning laid the foundation for a legacy of quality, innovation and timeless appeal.
This rich history is woven seamlessly in Clarks’ upcoming exclusive series with Tyson Yoshi, unveiling on September 4 at the brand’s flagship on Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, marking the fifth stand-alone Clarks Originals store in Asia after Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Beijing. The store design seamlessly merges British heritage with modern innovation, drawing inspiration from Somerset's cityscape, where Clarks began. Notably, the flooring stones' texture is key in creating an authentic English ambiance. The store innovatively uses diatom plaster, providing a soft, unique embrace for guests on walls and ceilings.
Tyson Yoshi at the opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Karl Lam)
Tyson Yoshi at the opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Karl Lam)
Tyson Yoshi at the opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Karl Lam)
Tyson Yoshi at the opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Karl Lam)
Clarks Originals: Crafted for every walk of life
Clarks Originals seamlessly blends style, heritage and casual cool. Since the 1950s, the brand has evolved with the times while staying true to its roots. In the early Nineties, Clarks gained popularity in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shibuya neighbourhoods, where trendsetting youth embraced the Desert Boot and Wallabee shoes designed by Nathan Clark and Lance Clark respectively. Meanwhile, in Harlem, New York, emerging style icons sought out authentic Clarks, rejecting imitations in favour of the real deal.
Endorsed by tastemakers like the Wu-Tang Clan, Oasis’s Gallagher brothers and Japanese designer Jun Takahashi, the Desert Boot, Wallabee and Desert Trek quickly achieved cult status. These designs evoked an authentic British flair that resonated with fashion-forward individuals worldwide.
Discover the latest collaboration “Clarks Originals xTriplet World x Open Dialogue ” in Clarks OriginalsHong Kong (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
Tyson Yoshi at the opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
Clarks Originals inherits Clarks' nearly 200 years of shoemaking craftsmanship and focuses on originality and unique taste (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
The materials used in the new shop are all inspired by the cityscape of Somerset, the Clarks village and where Clarks originated (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
The store design combines heritage British elements (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
Canapé served during the event (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
The opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
The opening of Clarks Originals Hong Kong (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
DIY workshop (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
DIY workshop (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
A global fashion phenomenon
As streetwear culture surged, Clarks Originals became the go-to choice for those seeking a sleek, well-crafted alternative to the ubiquitous sneakers. Nathan Clark’s Desert Boot and Lance Clark’s Wallabee offer a lo-fi, casual vibe with natural crepe soles and minimal branding—ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance.
Pushing boundaries, Clarks Originals has collaborated on collections like Clarks Originals x Triplet World x Open Dialogue, merging classic designs with contemporary influences. Other high-profile partnerships with Supreme, Ronnie Fieg of Kith, Martine Rose, Stüssy, Beams Japan and Moncler have solidified the brand’s status at the forefront of fashion.
Joe, Sharon Chong, Tyson Yoshi, Michael Li, WilsonCheung, Henry Zhao (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
Guests toast the opening of the new store (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
Michael Li (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Zed Leets)
For all of life’s moments
Clarks has remained relevant across generations by offering iconic styles for every stage of life. The brand has resonated with diverse fashion cultures, from the rudeboys of Jamaica to the beatniks, mods and the Britpop scene of the Nineties.
Olympic gymnast-turned-entrepreneur Li Ning, the force behind Viva China, which owns Clarks, puts it perfectly: “Clarks caters for customers of all ages all over the world, with iconic styles for your very first pair of shoes, through pivotal moments throughout your life.”
Looking ahead, Clarks is set to play a pivotal role in streetwear fashion. As it approaches its 200th anniversary, expect more groundbreaking partnerships that will continue to redefine the boundaries of fashion and cement the brand’s place at the forefront of the global style scene. With a legacy rooted in quality and innovation, Clarks is not just looking back on its rich history but also boldly stepping into the future.
Clarks Originals Hong KongAddress: Shop G3, Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard, 111-181 Nathan Road, Hong Kong