Kingston Fashion Meets the Bronx: Jermaine Parker’s Vision for Vybz Kartel

On Labor Day Friday, August 29th, the iconic Vybz Kartel will take the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the third time this year. Fans are buzzing with excitement, and the concert is expected to be another sold-out affair. But behind the scenes, one man is eager to make a mark on this event: Jermaine Parker.

From Trench Town to the Bronx

Jermaine Parker, a proud son of Trench Town, has transformed his life from street hustler to the owner of Kingston Fashion, the only Black-owned Clarks shoes franchise in the Bronx. With a twinkle in his eye, Parker has a special message for the “World Boss” himself: “Kartel, come check me in the Bronx. I want to put you in a Blakk Hyenaz jacket and a Clarks boot, straight outta Kingston Fashion.”

For Parker, this isn’t just about fashion; it’s about legacy. “This is more than clothes—it’s Trench Town to the Bronx, it’s Yard to foreign. It’s history,” he passionately explains.

The Cultural Impact of "Clarks"

Back in 2010, Kartel, alongside Popcaan and Vanessa Bling, released the track "Clarks," which skyrocketed to the top of reggae and dancehall charts worldwide. This song became a cultural anthem, turning Clarks shoes into a symbol of status and style not just in Jamaica, but across the globe. “Clarks sold out worldwide after that song,” Parker recalls. “Kartel put them in the history books. Every Jamaican abroad felt a sense of pride because it was our culture, our style, dominating globally.”

A Dream Realized

Parker’s journey began over 20 years ago when he migrated from Trench Town to the Bronx. He vividly remembers crossing paths with Kartel in the 1990s, long before the artist earned his “World Boss” title. That encounter sparked a dream in Parker: to one day outfit Kartel himself. Now, as the dancehall giant prepares to storm New York once more, Parker sees the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality.

At Kingston Fashion, Parker curates a unique blend of international luxury brands like Gucci and Versace alongside his own urban wear brand, Blakk Hyenaz. This brand merges Jamaican street grit with global runway flair, but the heart of his store remains the Clarks boots immortalized by Kartel’s song.

A Warm Invitation

Kingston Fashion is ready and waiting for Kartel. Parker proudly showcases a black Desertstorm Clarks boot, a blue Wallabee, and a pristine Blakk Hyenaz jacket, all prepared for the King and his ‘Queen’ Sidem. “Brooklyn will roar for you, but Kingston Fashion in the Bronx is calling your name,” he reminds the World Boss.

As the anticipation builds for Kartel’s performance, one question lingers: Will he answer Parker’s call? After all, as Kartel himself sings, “di new Wallabees hotter than sulfur.”

In a world where fashion meets culture, Jermaine Parker stands as a bridge between Jamaica and the Bronx, ready to celebrate the legacy of dancehall through style. Will the King of Dancehall step into this new chapter? Only time will tell.