Clarks marked a milestone in Madrid’s cultural scene with the premiere of its documentary Clarks and Tokyo at the iconic Sala Equis. This exclusive event not only celebrated the brand’s rich history, but also paid tribute to Urahara, the nucleus of Japanese streetwear fashion, which has left an indelible mark on global style. In addition to screening the fashion film, the brand’s latest collection was also on display, there was a personalised stand and sushi was handed out to all guests. Madrid’s creative community did not hesitate to attend the premiere and immerse themselves in the cultural heritage that this Tokyo neighbourhood has cultivated over the decades.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND SPACE
Directed by the talented Taichi Kimura, Clarks and Tokyo explores the brand’s archives in depth, revealing the connections that have woven Clarks into the creative spirit of Urahara. This documentary is more than a visual chronicle; it is an exploration of the voices and faces that bring this culture to life. Writers, independent boutique owners and fervent Urahara fans share their stories, highlighting how iconic models such as the Wallabee, Desert Boot and Desert Trek are central to the creation of an identity that has transcended borders.
THE CULTURAL POLLINATION OF URAHARA
From the 1960s, Japanese style began to absorb influences from American Ivy League and British fashion, a phenomenon that intensified in the decades that followed. The documentary takes viewers through a visual journey spanning five decades, pointing out the pivotal moments that made Clarks designs essential elements for Tokyo’s style tribes.
David Marx, author of Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style, explains that ‘in the 1960s, Japanese children were forced to wear uniforms, and Desert Boots emerged as a key option for those seeking to distance themselves from that rigidity’. This desire for self-expression marked the beginning of a lasting relationship between Clarks and the emerging Japanese streetstyle.
AN INFLUENTIAL SCENE
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Urahara reached its peak under the influence of Japanese design innovators such as Hiroshi Fujiwara, Nigo and Jun Takahashi. These references helped contemporary dandies discover American hip-hop and skate culture, which in turn boosted the Wallabee’s popularity. Already beloved by the New York scene, the Wallabee became a wardrobe mainstay for those seeking a more subtle style than the colourful kawaii characters of Harajuku.
The documentary also pays tribute to cult publications that capture the essence of this evolution, from Men’s Club, the first Japanese men’s fashion magazine, to Takarajima, which delved into pop culture and punk. DJ Daruma, an iconic Urahara figure, shares his memories of the legendary meeting points, ‘recalling how ‘choosing Wallabee’s was a symbol of wanting to be different’. These moments and memories built a rich cultural tapestry that highlighted the connection between Clarks and street style.
AN INTERGENERATIONAL NARRATIVE
Each character featured in the documentary, from Norio Amemiya of SHIPS Ginza to stylist Kei Hashimoto, offers a unique and personal insight into their bond with Clarks and Urahara. These authentic connections are what really set Clarks apart in a brand-saturated world. The stories told are more than anecdotes; they are tales of identity, expression and, above all, community.
Accompanying the premiere, three lookbooks were launched that highlighted Clarks’ enduring influence across generations. The collection included style veterans and a new wave of subculture enthusiasts, all sporting the brand’s classics. Among them was the exclusive Harajuku pack, which fuses tradition with modernity. This launch, which features unique details such as beaded laces, leopard prints and platform soles, is now available at the brand’s new Flagship store located at Gran Vía 15.
Fuko Asayama, brand director of BEAMS BOY, said: ‘It’s amazing how Clarks has managed to maintain its essence and appeal to today’s youth. Although some elements have been revamped, the shape has remained intact. Few shoes can boast such a rich and relevant history’.
A CELEBRATION OF STYLE AND CULTURE
Clarks and Tokyo is not just a documentary; it is a testament to the power of style and culture, a journey that celebrates the connection between different times and places. This event was an invitation to rediscover the essence of a brand that has adapted and evolved, while remaining a mainstay in street style culture. Clarks, with its unmistakable legacy, continues to inspire new generations, proving that fashion is a universal language that transcends borders.
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