National Geographic has launched Clarks Kids X National Geographic, a colourful, stylish and striking collection with designs inspired by some of the most amazing species on the planet, in collaboration with ones of the world’s leading names in footwear.
Sustainability is a major feature of this collection. Tying in with National Geographic’s strong focus on sustainability, 16 pairs of the shoes in the collection will be made from 100% recycled bottles, using recycled cardboard and natural vegetable dye for the packaging.
The range’s original look and style are integral to the range, with this National Geographic and Clarks collaboration colourfully celebrating some of the most amazing species on earth, including the African Leopard, the Poison Dart Frog, the Panther Chameleon and the Harlequin Filefish to name only a few. Clarks Kids X National Geographic pioneering craftsmanship and designs are inspired by a National Geographic project using the power of photography to inspire people to help species at risk. Joel Sartore is the founder of the Photo Ark, a ground-breaking effort to document all animals in captivity before they disappear. This project has inspired the production of this range of footwear by using bio-mimicry technology to influence the design of the collection, driving awareness of endangered species. Some 8,754 species have been photographed so far for Photo Ark. It will take a further 25 years to complete the body of work.
A range of casual shoes, canvas shoes, boots and school shoes for kids – from toddlers to tweens – make up the 26 different styles in this varied and exciting collection. There’s also The Big Cat Collection, a limited-edition Desert Boot collection inspired by the amazing patterns of nature’s endangered icons: earth’s mightiest cats.
Helena Mansell-Stopher, Director Consumer Products, Publishing and Retail, National Geographic Partners UK, said, “This collection encompasses many of the themes that National Geographic embraces: sustainability, endangered species and the beauty and colour of the natural world. The Clarks Kids X National Geographic is the start of what we are sure will be a wonderful partnership.”
The new line, available in Clarks stores throughout the UK and Ireland as well as online at clarks.co.uk, launched on Monday 1 April. It follows hard on the heels of the sixth annual Big Cat Month on the popular channel Nat Geo WILD, showcasing the world’s most extraordinary big cat species.
This licensing deal forms part of the National Geographic consumer products strategy, which launched globally in 2017. As a global, forward thinking, multimedia company with a scientific body at its core, National Geographic is uniquely positioned to create products and authentic experiences that engage, enlighten, and educate. The National Geographic licensing programme supports the overall brand mission and premium positioning by extending the organisation’s values to consumers through brand relevant products and experiences that also give back to science, exploration and conservation through the work of the National Geographic Society.