With Human Made x Clarks, NIGO's Other Footwear Dream Comes True
Human Made's Clarks collab is the culmination of a dream that NIGO has held since the BAPE days. Finally, NIGO gets to put his own stamp on a classic Clarks Wallabee shoe, a silhouette that has long fascinated the Human Made founder.
Back in the '90s, NIGO was wearing Clarks Desert Boots and Wallabees in homage to his idol, Hiroshi Fujiwara, who in turn inspired by the casual style of British musicians like the Fun Boy Three.
For his own label, BAPE, NIGO would design several Clarks-like shapes like the ridged-sole Manhunt, released in 1997.
These very clearly Clarks-indebted shoes were never quite as popular overseas as NIGO's Nike-like BAPESTA and ROADSTA sneakers but they're entrenched in BAPE history and reflective of NIGO's personal style.
Especially as of late, for instance, NIGO is just as likely to be seen wearing beige suede boots as he is any of the many sneakers bearing Human Made's name.
Similarly, several boots created during his tenure at KENZO channel a similar Clarks-like vibe.
Besides reissuing several original Manhunt styles, BAPE has also collaborated with Clarks, once even creating "official" Wallabee Manhunts. But that all came after NIGO's time at the brand — there's never really been a true NIGO Clarks shoe. Until now.
While in Hong Kong for the debut of Human Made's space at the Repulse Bay Village shopping mall, NIGO was seen wearing a suspiciously familiar-looking shoe.
NIGO's new Wallabee-style shoe is beige, suede, sits atop a ridged outsole, and emblazoned with Human Made branding atop the forefoot, just like the BAPE Manhunt.
Except that this, apparently a proper Clarks collaboration.
There isn't any confirmation from either party that this is the case but it seems viable given the familiar shape and design of the new Human Made shoe, and there's an expected November release date for both Human Made's Clarks Wallabee and boot.
And, what with NIGO bringing all his footwear dreams to life as of late, the timing feels especially right.
NIGO's first-ever Nike collaboration debuted mere weeks ago, for instance, sealing a deal he established back in the '90s with the first-ever BAPESTA. A Clarks collab would have to be his second-biggest footwear dream come true.
And, what with Clarks currently focused on its relationship to Harajuku — NIGO's old stomping grounds — with ample Japanese collaborations, there's never been a better time to bring in the Ura-Hara OG for his own Clarks collab.
What better way to follow a big-time Mercedes partnership?
