Caribbean designers are doing big tings in the fashion industry and we love to see it. This month Trinidadian designer Joshua Joseph of NYC-based brand Rebels to Dons released a collaboration with Clarks Originals and Ronnie Fieg of Kith.
The Trinidad-born designer started as a DJ and later pivoted into the fashion industry. Joseph started Rebels to Dons in 2014. Since then, the brand has become a popular menswear brand worn by artists, professional athletes, and entrepreneurs.
Joseph makes history as the first Caribbean-born designer to create a Clarks Originals silhouette. Clarks has been a huge staple in Caribbean fashion.
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Rebels to Dons x Clarks Originals Inspiration
Joseph was inspired by the fashion of the late 70s and 80s. During this time, Caribbean immigrants made an impact on New York City’s street style with their love for Clarks.
The designer took Ronnie Fieg’s Clarks Maycliffe silhouette and created a mule that can be worn from day to night. The Caribbean and New York City are both huge influences to Joseph and he showed that in his design.
The shoe was launched exclusively at Blue in Green, a menswear boutique in NYC. It was released online on July 2nd.
Design and details
The shoe is made of natural tan nubuck leather with features true to the iconic Clarks brand such as stitched upper detailing and crepe outsole. You can customize the shoe by adding or removing the two fringed straps. The two straps can be worn together or on their own.
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About Rebels to Dons
Joseph’s brand represents the intersection of being Caribbean and living in New York City. The limited collections feature vintage fabrics, pop iconography, three-dimensional textile collages, and animated colors.
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Making history
In a press release, Joseph says, “It’s exciting to work with such a classic brand that has been a part of our culture for so long. And as the designer, I see this as an opportunity to give a sense of ownership to the people that truly embodied and embraced this brand so much.”
The Rebels to Dons x Clarks shoe is part of Kith founder Ronnie Fieg’s sub-label 8th street. The closing event to celebrate the launch of the historical collab will be on July 30th at Soho Beach House in Miami.
You can find the shoe exclusively at Blue In Green SoHo here.
