England's Victoria and Albert Museum has launched its first licensed shoe collection, created in partnership with the global footwear brands Clarks.

The first of three seasons launched this month with a collection of shoes for men, women and children that features re-imagined styles drawn from two iconic decades in British fashion history: the 1950s Teddy Boy look and 1980s club culture. 

Inspired by the museum’s textiles and fashion archives and Clarks’ own archives, this first collection is infused with British heritage and craftsmanship.

“We are looking forward to the opportunities that our first footwear license will bring,” says Lauren Sizeland, director of business development and licensing, V&A. “It is truly fulfilling to work with a brand that also has a great British heritage and exciting that the range will reach an international market.”

Clarks is also the headline sponsor of the V&A’s summer 2015 fashion exhibition, "Shoes: Pleasure and Pain," taking place from June 13 to January 2016.

“We have admired the textile and fashion collection at the V&A for some time now and have been looking for the perfect opportunity to join forces and work together,” says Roy Gardner, group director of category marketing, C&J Clark International. “Since 2015 marks the 190th anniversary of the Clarks brand, we feel that time is now.”