Clarks Originals’ already-impressive roster of collaborators just got better, having added stylist and designer Aleali May to the lineup
Aleali May has become a part of contemporary fashion iconography, with an undeniable influence on streetwear culture. Known for her extraordinary skill in harmonizing high fashion with distinctive elements of urban fashion, she epitomizes excellence in merging divergent styles. Through her collaborations with prestigious brands, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to shape the aesthetics of sportswear.
Aleali May in conversation with Domenico Costanini
What was your approach in recreating the iconic Clarks Originals Wallabee shoe, and how did it merge with your inspirational leitmotif?
My approach in recreating the iconic Clarks Wallabee Shoe was to keep it classic yet bring new and forward visuals by adding some LA swagger. Being an LA native, through a lot of my personal designs, I try to create representation through textures, colors and stories for the newer generation to see themselves.
What was your approach in recreating the iconic Clarks Originals Wallabee shoe, and how did it merge with your inspirational leitmotif?
My approach in recreating the iconic Clarks Wallabee Shoe was to keep it classic yet bring new and forward visuals by adding some LA swagger. Being an LA native, through a lot of my personal designs, I try to create representation through textures, colors and stories for the newer generation to see themselves.
The bold ribbed velvet pattern boasts a pronounced and sculptural rhythm, with a wide color palette rich in trendy shades. Among the iconographies linked to the aesthetics of this fabric, which one strikes like a lightning bolt in your memory?
If you look at my first Jordan collaboration, I take inspiration from South Central, LA 90s style with using corduroy. The corduroy draws inspiration from the house slipper my family would wear and buy from the Slauson Super Mall. In true LA culture, this shoe is an everyday house slipper mostly sported in black.
For my collection with Clark’s, I wanted to create nostalgia, while this time living in color, inspired by LA’s “golden hour” by the beach. A more calming and washed sunset than a neon prime time on the East. The blue color way represents the water, while the sand is self-titled. Imagining the perfect day at the beach with the homies. My creative input for this project is for the consumer to understand California’s laid back style.
“For this campaign, I carefully selected individuals who, like me, are engaged in significant projects for my community and inspire me to move forward!” Should fashion arise from an inclusive and interdisciplinary dialogue, should it speak about our time and our society?”
Being in fashion and understanding the history of how inclusion has not been favored, I feel that apart of my calling is to always included what has not been represented. Being a half Filipino, half African American women in the industry, I have a true sense of listening to the stories of the ones before me and my peers. Using this to take action, because it’s far overdue. It’s selfish to take up space and not be able to bring your own people with you, to help transcend the times, like what are you doing?! For me, teamwork and my community is what makes me who I am today. It’s a soul-fulfilling experience every single time which speaks to my generation annd the next generations on how we view our time and our society.
Originally created for the British army men in the desert, the Clark Wallabee gained high popularity among Jamaican dancehall musicians. From Jamaica, the Wallabee found its way into New York’s hip-hop scene, thanks to the Wu-Tang Clan. How can a shoe model transcend cultural and geographical boundaries?
I learned later on that the popularity of Clarks was through Jamaican dancehall and musicians based on my deep dives of my love for fashion, as geographically, in my neighborhood growing up, had different waves happening culturally. And eventually learning our icons in hip hop that helped create the popularity for Clark’s, have Caribbean decent. Growing up in South Central, LA, during the 90s-2000’s, watching music videos and reading magazines or seeing some of my family members with great style, I’ve always learned first hand the range of trends down to the classics. Clarks has always been a classic with icons like Slick Rick and groups like Wu-Tang, making them desirable to young fashion kids like myself. So for me, adding a touch of my own wave onto the Wallabee boot is so iconic! And with having these details in mind when designing, I can represent myself and also the waves before me.
Your intervention on the Clark Wallabee, let’s say, is in tune with the times; once again, you succeeded in creating a genderless shoe that fits everyone. Does it still make sense to speak of masculine and feminine fashion? Perhaps it is time to go beyond, without labels or anachronistic barriers?
y designs are for the people, and will always represent people who want to wake up and tackle their day, through the expression of their clothes. I cater to creating more options for people to get fresh and feel like they can make their own waves. Through inspiring them to think outside the box, you open new ways of thought. I want the kids to know they can make it in any space through having dreams but also taking action.
