London-based designer to showcase her debut Clarks collection at upcoming men’s show in June.
British shoemaker Clarks has named Martine Rose as its first-ever guest creative director. In this newly-established role, the UK designer has created three pairs of shoes, each of which will debut on her namesake runway during London Men's Fashion Week in June.
Last year, Clarks approached Rose, who then visited the brand's headquarters in Somerset to learn more about its 200-year-long history. Revamping classic Clarks silhouettes, including the loafer, the Oxford shoe, and the sandal, Rose added her recognizable design codes and a "major focus on comfort."
Rose took Clarks' penchant for stylized comfort one step further, plumping her collaborative designs with extra-padded insoles and feather downs for a pillow-like feel. The color story is quintessentially Rose, with black, oxblood, and snakeskin options.
Tara McRae, Clarks' chief marketing and digital officer, expressed the brand's excitement about Rose's appointment. "Martine was top of our list of guest creative directors to partner with, due to her unconventional approach to design and development and her British-Jamaican background, both of which are core to our brand," she said.
Following their runway debut in June, Rose's inaugural designs for Clarks will go on sale in March of next year. The designer hinted at a second collaboration that is reportedly in development for the summer, so stay tuned for further updates on Rose's stint as the brand's first guest creative director.
