END. X CLARKS ORIGINALS X BEAMS PLUS "SKI CLUB" PT. 1

END., Clarks Originals and BEAMS PLUS join forces for the first instalment of a two-part collection titled “Ski Club”, drawing heavy inspiration from varsity skiing and vintage hiking. The collection is centred around three new, but recognisable, footwear silhouettes, with Clarks Originals’ classics modified in reference to classic hiking footwear. 

The first is a rework of the much-loved Wallabee dubbed the Walla Hike GTX, which sees the iconic shoe transformed through an outdoor-focused lens. It’s crafted using brown suede uppers that’re lined with GORE-TEX for protection against inclement weather, as well as detailed with vintage-style D-ring eyelets as a direct nod to classic hiking styles. The usual crepe rubber sole is replaced with Vibram, too, for increased durability.   

The Trek Hike GTX, meanwhile, can be traced back to the famous Desert Trek, only it features GORE-TEX lining, D-ring eyelets and a lugged outsole to reference traditional hiking boots. The third shoe is a rework of the classic Wallaroo: the laceless, slip-on rendition of the Wallabee which recently resurfaced from the Clarks Originals’ archive. In keeping with the utilitarian approach of the collection, the Wallaroo is updated with an additional strap across its uppers and a cosy, cold weather-appropriate fleece lining.

The collection’s apparel is a continuation of the collaborative theme, rooted in the codes of classic varsity and vintage ski wear. The collection features an array of bespoke graphics and patches, including one designed by artist Josh Parky: a cartoon magpie and pelican dressed in outerwear, a playful nod to the respective origins of END. and BEAMS PLUS.  

At the centre of the apparel is a down-filled coat inspired by heritage ski jackets, coloured in green and beige and detailed with playful collaborative patches, ranging from a retro-inspired ski club print to a co-branded varsity emblem. Furthering the playful approach to graphics, Clarks Originals’ Desert Trek motif is reworked to resemble a figure skiing, detailed in an all over fashion on a turtleneck jumper, corduroy pants and the MIL fleece jacket. The collection’s jersey pieces follow suit, too, crafted from soft cotton jersey and printed with an array of collection-specific graphics.

The END. x Clarks Originals x BEAMS PLUS “Ski Club” Collection Pt. 1 will launch via END. on the 17th November.