Wallabee Day 2025: A Cultural Celebration Rooted in Miami
Wallabee Day 2025: A Cultural Celebration Rooted in Miami
“It was like hip hop culture with the Caribbean all coming together,” said Shoe Gallery owner Danny Waserstein, as he reflected on his lifelong connection to the Clarks Originals Wallabee. What started as a family retail legacy in downtown Miami in the late 1970s has evolved into a cultural movement—one that continues to honor the deep, diasporic ties that bind fashion, music, and identity!
This year, on April 26, 2025, Shoe Gallery partnered with Clarks Originals and Miami-based creative incubator Up2Something Studios to celebrate the second annual Wallabee Day—a global tribute to one of the most iconic silhouettes in footwear. Born in England in 1967, the Wallabee gained deep cultural significance in Jamaica before finding its way to New York’s early hip-hop scene. In Miami, the shoe has remained a staple for decades, and Shoe Gallery has been at the heart of that legacy.
At the center of this year's event was Haitian artist Cristina Maingrette, known for her signature denim floral embellishments. Her limited run of just 20 custom pairs turned the Wallabee into a tactile story of heritage and rebirth. Leading up to the main event, Maingrette and Up2Something founder Aldhair Ramirez hosted a private Media Day workshop at Shoe Gallery’s new Upper East Side location. There, five Caribbean and Latin women artists hand-applied Maingrette's blooming denim florals to their own pairs, while enjoying authentic Jamaican food provided by Evertons Mandeville Delight.
The main event welcomed the public with exclusive drops, custom fittings, giveaways, refreshments, and free gifts with purchase. Throughout the day, Cristina Maingrette remained present, greeting every guest who engaged with her work. Her presence added warmth and authenticity to the experience, reminding everyone that art is most powerful when it is personal.
The atmosphere was a blend of nostalgia and new energy. Attendees came ready to celebrate in rare Wallabees, eye-catching fits, and with deep appreciation for the history behind the shoe. Grammy Award-winning artist and producer LunchMoney Lewis made an appearance, linking up with Danny Waserstein at the DJ booth, while creative staple Rugah Rahj came through to support the cause, adding weight and local love to the day.
Every detail mattered—from the immersive setup to the custom mesh tote bags that attendees carried home. The handcrafted Wallabees, Maingrette’s presence, the music, the food, and the stories shared throughout the day transformed this into more than just a launch.
Wallabee Day 2025 was a true reflection of what makes Miami special—a fusion of heritage, artistry, and community. Brought to life by Shoe Gallery in collaboration with Clarks Originals and Up2Something Studios, the event was elevated by the visionary work of Cristina Maingrette. With Evertons Mandeville Delight nourishing guests, and cultural icons like LunchMoney Lewis and Rugah Rahj in the building, the celebration became more than a release. It became a tribute to roots, reinvention, and the collective power of local creatives.
This was not just Wallabee Day. This was Miami—laced in history, community, and love.
