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METCHA | A global initiative aimed at taking leather-oriented stories into the spotlight to reflect today's generation's view of design and culture.

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This is Clarks' near two-century-old history of design, suede craftsmanship, and real sustainable change.

This is Clarks' history of suede craftsmanship.

Clarks has been crafting suede shoes since 1825. But they have always known they could do more. And so the label did.

The British institution succeeded in designing suede pairs that put comfort above all as an alternative for other leather shoes back then. And it’s not by chance that its ever-evolving mindset has turned the brand into something meaningful for almost everyone.

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - guy wearing Clarks' suede Wallabees sitting on a car. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

Clarks Originals and its almost 200-year legacy is all about heritage and blending care with a passion to create shoes that last longer than any trend.

In the end, the brand enhances the connection between people and the earth we step on but also sees that as a chance to promote real change in the world.

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - a guy tying his suede shoes' laces. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - guy touching his Clarks' suede shoes. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

“We must do more — more to make a difference and ensure that people everywhere are able to enjoy this special connection for generations to come.”

Determined to use only materials that we all can truly believe in, Clarks Originals is also a founder member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a collective which focuses on promoting sustainable and appropriate practices within the leather industry.

They really went beyond simple shoes, and leather plays a special part in all Clarks’ narratives. Wanna see how? Keep scrolling.

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - guy wearing suede Wallabees while jumping. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

Alice Clark, an early feminist icon and suffragette, was an original member of the Clarks company in 1904. The pioneering spirit was not something only present in her personal journey, and it became the motto for the label’s modus operandi.

It means that their promising silhouettes needed more to become able to build and carry on Clarks’ principles. High-end & selected suppliers, like Charles F. Stead who’s been supporting the brand’s designs with the finest suede since the ‘50s, endorse the commitment to the forgotten craftsmanship these fabrics require.

We can say the same about the current concern for reducing their environmental footprint by integrating responsibly-made leather into their designs, choosing tanneries such as Prime Asia and its proactive approach to decreasing energy & water use, besides finding alternatives for surplus.

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - Clarks' Wallabee Cow Print made of suede. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - Clarks' suede shoes. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

By the way, the Wallabees' comeback is definite proof that this story is far from ending. First introduced in the ‘60s, the suede shoes found their space in contemporaneity when embraced by NYC hip-hop scene in the ‘90s.

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - guy wearing Clarks' suede shoes while holding a dog. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - Clarks' Wallabee boot made of suede. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

Still now, this pair, along with the Desert Boot, combine the comfort and effortless aesthetics Gen Z seeks with centuries of Clarks' artisanality.

Through collabs with END, Supreme, and Bodega and proud endorsements by rap icons, such as Kanye, Wu-Tang, and MF Doom, Clarks remains an original statement of streetwear culture.

METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship - guy wearing green suede Clarks' shoes. — METCHA - Clarks' suede craftsmanship

Let’s keep in mind that things should be made to last, just like our planet.

Find how you can always give leather a new purpose.

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