TRUE BRIT

What makes a classic a classic? Whether it’s movies, music or fashion, a classic number remains relevant through generations and never phases out of style. Its much-cherished timeless quality makes it a great candidate for modern interpretations in keeping with the times. Think Shakespeare with Hollywood twists, the numerous covers of Across The Universe, and the LBD that hasn’t retreated into the archives since Audrey Hepburn had breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Among the many classics that have stood the test of time, there is Clarks.

Since it was founded nearly 200 years ago in the charming English county of Somerset, Clarks has been a mainstay on the fashion and pop-culture radar not only in the UK but also the rest of the world. From the opulence of the ’50s and the notoriously revolutionary ’60s through to the Disco and MTV eras of the ’70s and ’80s, and then from the ’90s — which saw the birth of a new silhouette (think Kate Moss) — to a new millennium of renaissance, Clarks have kept in step through it all.

To this day, the name Clarks is still spoken in the same breath as adjectives like comfort and quality, and is widely known for its distinct British sense of fun, design and style through its evolution.

A crucial part of that evolution also involves the on-going study of the human foot’s mechanical complexity and its role in a person’s general well-being, and in its tireless creation of the perfect shoe for that purpose.

By merging wearability and style, Clarks is committed to making sure that anyone who puts her foot in a pair of Clarks is putting her best foot forward.

This year, Clarks wows like never before in this part of the world with fresh takes on its classics in the Spring/Summer 2012 collection — new materials, colours, prints and collaborations with big names like Swarovski and Hainsworth, just to name a few surprises.

Urban Safari

The Urban Safari line is one of four key trends in Clarks’ Spring/Summer 2012 collection for women. Comfort, as you know, is integral to the Clarks footwear. Contrary to conventional belief, style and edge don’t have to be compromised in the making of a comfy pair of shoes one can actually feel and look good in — and the Urban Safari designs walk that talk.

From left: Sequin Sparkle, Orsino Café, and Organza Wrap

The Sequin Sparkle is a star product of this range, and it’s not hard to see why. The strappy wedge sandal gives the wearer a desirable amount of height to accentuate her overall silhouette; the muted but chic colour palette gives it the versatility every woman needs to take her from place to place, from day to night, and from outfit to outfit.

And why stop at one pair when there are never enough shoes? Take your pick from the extensive collection which ranges from the Organza Wrap and Organza Shawl wedges to edgy flat sandals like the Orsino Parade and Orsino Café. It’s spring after all — time to give your shoe closet a facelift!

From left : Tiarella Time, Tassel Flower, Thatch Top

And while you’re sole-searching for the new season, you might just discover that, after tossing out the old, there’s room for a few new bags. Well, the good news is, Clarks is committed to making sure a girl has it all. You may not know it, but the Brit shoemaker also has its own very delectable range of quality calf-leather bags to complete your brand new look with.