// Raheem Sterling’s long-awaited Clarks collaboration has finally launched
// The collection will be available to purchase at JD stores and online in the UK and EU for six months
Clarks has launched its highly anticipated first footwear collection with its global ambassador and Chelsea midfielder Raheem Sterling.
The collaboration marks a new era for the Clarks main brand as it will be the first time that its footwear has been stocked on the shelves of JD Sports.
While Sterling has previously designed a limited edition Wallabee in partnership with the footwear retailer, this is the first time he has had a hand in designing a complete collection.
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The collection pays homage to Sterling’s Jamaican heritage and birthplace of Kingston, as 1692 is the year modern Kingston was founded and will be available to purchase at JD stores and online in the UK and EU for six months.
The number 1692 is embossed on the heel of each shoe and Jamaica’s national motto “Out of Many – One People” is featured inside the tongue.
Sterling said: “In school I wanted to keep up with the kids wearing fresh kicks, so I was selling frozen slush after class to make money to buy my first pair of Wallabees.
“Fast forward and now to be the first Jamaican with my own Clarks collection is an honour. When I heard I could build this line I was buzzing, it’s a brand I’ve loved from a young age so to have this opportunity is really special.
“As a nod to the special connection between Clarks and Jamaica I wanted to do something that was for the island, for Jamaica itself. On the heel you see my brand 1692 which is the year Kingston was founded and hidden inside the shoe is the motto of Jamaica, ‘out of many one people’.”
The Raheem x Clarks range is unisex and will cater for adults as well as children and the campaign for the launch features Sterling’s childhood friend and actor of Top Boy fame, Kadeem Ramsay, as well as DJ and presenter Becca Dudley.
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