«The concept of handmade is a core value in my work», interview with Franck Pellegrino

In January of this year, during Paris Fashion Week, we had the pleasure of meeting Franck Pellegrino. Like us, he was visiting Clarks' temporary showroom, showcasing the brand's OG models and latest collaborations. Hailing from the south of France, this multidisciplinary artist has built a reputation through creations that skillfully blend graffiti heritage with textiles while exploring the art of geometry and abstraction. Previous collaborations include renowned brands such as Aimé Léon Dore, Ralph Lauren, and Arcteryx. Recently, he took on a classic: the Wallabee, a timeless shoe cherished for its comfort and clean lines. Since its announcement for spring 2023, it has generated remarkable excitement, seamlessly blending art and craftsmanship in a contemporary and refreshing approach. Let's delve into the behind-the-scenes of this collaboration.

The meeting between Clarks' teams and Franck Pellegrino took place over a year ago. From the initial exchanges, it became clear that the shared commonalities would lead them to write a story together. «This collaboration goes beyond a simple partnership; it is, above all, the realisation of a childhood dream linked to the pair of Wallabees I've been wearing since my youth,» he shares with palpable enthusiasm. «For me, the Wallabee embodies the essence of all stylistic and musical references, particularly rooted in the 90s hip-hop scene, which continues to inspire my work today.» Renowned for his vibrant aesthetic and distinctive typography, Pellegrino set out to redefine the classic model with his personal touch. To merge his identity with the brand's, he emphasised the importance of mutual values: «With several years of experience in textiles, I've developed a deep appreciation for material quality and artisanal craftsmanship—something we both value. In this spirit, I integrated their expertise into my approach, particularly highlighting the concept of handmade, a core value in my work.»

The collaboration represents a perfect blend of Clarks' DNA and the artist's vision: on one side, the unparalleled quality of premium suede and distinctive patchwork showcase Clarks' artisanal heritage. On the other, vibrant touches of red, a hue dear to the creator, invigorate the sandy backdrop. Beneath the foot, the natural crepe sole provides timeless comfort, while the dual-branded closure buttons fuse Franck's artistic individuality with Clarks' characteristic precision. Although, undoubtedly, it is less understated than traditional models, the pair adapts seamlessly to any occasion. We asked the artist which of the three available colors was his favorite. «It's really challenging to make a choice,» he admits. «Each of these creations is designed to harmoniously complement all styles.»

In the realm of fashion and design, collaborations between artists and iconic brands continue to flourish, but how do you create unique and authentic pieces that transcend fleeting trends? To leave a lasting mark, «It is essential to build on solid foundations that truly represent our essence and what we love,» he recommends. «In each collaboration and new design, one must immerse oneself deeply in the brand's history to weave a logical and meaningful continuity.» To conclude our conversation, with a touch of indiscretion, we asked Franck if he had other ongoing projects he was eager to reveal. It's with promising anticipation that he announced working on a collaboration close to his heart. «I'm working on a furniture collection designed by my wife, Garance Vallée, adorned with unique artworks that I craft by hand.» We eagerly await the outcome of this partnership, which promises, once again, to leave a lasting impression.