Clarks Originals unveils first ever apparel range and appoints Guest Creative Director Blanche Yu

 During Paris Fashion Week Men’s this January, Clarks Originals marked a pivotal chapter in its evolution, unveiling three major announcements that signal a bold expansion of the brand’s creative direction for 2026.

Long celebrated for its iconic footwear silhouettes, Clarks Originals steps confidently beyond its heritage roots with the introduction of its first-ever apparel collection, alongside a striking new creative collaboration that reinterprets its design DNA for a global audience.

SS26: Clarks Originals Enters Apparel for the First Time

For the first time in its history, Clarks Originals extends its Originals universe beyond footwear with the launch of a unisex apparel range for Spring/Summer 2026.

The debut collection comprises t-shirts, caps and men’s socks, all drawing inspiration from the brand’s “big three” icons — the Wallabee, Desert Boot and Desert Trek.

Rooted in retro sensibilities, the range embraces earthy tones paired with heritage hues, including the unmistakable Clarks green. The silhouettes are clean and versatile, designed to complement the brand’s footwear staples while standing confidently on their own.

The heavyweight cotton t-shirts feature a relaxed, boxy cut with bold illustrative graphics across the back, nodding to Clarks’ storied archive. The cap adopts a vintage aesthetic with a curved peak, soft structure and embroidered Clarks logo across the front. Completing the lineup, heavyweight cotton socks are detailed with distinctive Wallabee and Trek Man embroidery.

The Clarks Originals apparel collection launches globally in Spring/Summer 2026, with prices ranging from RM39 to RM109, offering accessible entry points into the brand’s expanded lifestyle vision.

AW26: Blanche Yu Appointed Guest Creative Director

Further signalling its forward-looking approach, Clarks Originals announced the appointment of Chinese Mongolian artist Blanche Yu as Guest Creative Director for Autumn/Winter 2026.

Yu, known for her multidisciplinary work spanning retail space design, decorative arts and installation, brings a culturally rich perspective to the brand. Having exhibited internationally and previously collaborated with fashion houses such as Loewe, her appointment marks a notable creative shift for Clarks Originals.

Her debut collection, titled Desert Riders, reinterprets the brand’s heritage silhouettes through a cross-cultural lens.

Desert Riders: A Fusion of Heritage and Cultural Storytelling

Desert Riders merges classic American workwear silhouettes with Asian and Mongolian influences, resulting in a collection that feels both grounded and expressive.

The footwear offering includes robust, weathered leather boots and lug-sole boat shoes that retain Clarks’ functional DNA while introducing layered craftsmanship. Decorative charms, beads, studs and trinkets sit alongside hand-embroidered motifs and woven leather panels.

Textiles inspired by traditional saddles and ceremonial Mongolian horsemen uniforms add depth and narrative. The interplay between rugged materials and intricate detailing creates a tactile richness that balances authenticity with contemporary relevance.

Through Desert Riders, Clarks Originals demonstrates a commitment to cultural dialogue — honouring its legacy while inviting new creative voices to reinterpret its future.

As Clarks Originals enters 2026, the brand signals a strategic evolution: from footwear icon to broader lifestyle expression. With its first apparel line and a globally minded creative collaboration, the Originals story continues — rooted in heritage, yet undeniably forward-facing.