An unstoppable force in the world of fashion, Salehe Bembury’s influence reaches far and wide. With an impressive background leading the sneaker departments of renowned brands like Yeezy and Versace, this prolific American designer has left an indelible mark on the industry. His creative genius is best recognized for its groundbreaking integration of organic shapes and nature-inspired motifs into his designs. Celebrated for a series of triumphant collaborations with industry giants like New Balance, Moncler, and Crocs, Bembury has consistently pushed the boundaries of footwear innovation.
Born in 1986 and raised in Tribeca, New York, Bembury’s passion for footwear began at a young age, and he eventually found his way into the competitive world of sneaker design. Today, he holds the prestigious position of Vice President of Sneakers and Men’s Footwear at Versace, a role that has solidified his status as one of the leading figures in the industry.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in the golden age of sneaker culture in New York City, Bembury developed a deep love for sneakers and fashion. He attended the Calhoun School in Manhattan and later pursued an industrial design degree at Syracuse University, which laid the foundation for his future career in footwear design.
The Journey to Success
Bembury’s journey to sneaker world domination began after his graduation when he landed a job at Payless, where he gained valuable experience designing various types of shoes. Subsequently, he joined Cole Haan’s innovation team and played a key role in creating the LunarGrand silhouette, a successful sneaker-wingtip hybrid.
However, Bembury’s big break came when he reached out to Kanye West’s Yeezy team in 2015. After catching their attention with his portfolio, he was invited to Los Angeles to join the Yeezy design team. There, he played a pivotal role in designing the hugely popular YEEZY Boost 350 v2 and YEEZY Boost 750, solidifying his reputation as a top-notch sneaker designer.
The Versace Connection
After making his mark at Yeezy, Salehe Bembury set his sights on Versace. In a bold move, he directly messaged a Versace design director via LinkedIn and proposed an opportunity for the fashion house to tap into the booming luxury sneaker market. Impressed by his ideas and designs, Donatella Versace hired him on the spot during their meeting in Milan.
At Versace, Bembury’s creativity and innovative designs flourished. Over the course of three and a half years, he climbed the ranks to become the Senior Director of Sneakers and Men’s Footwear. His work received widespread acclaim, with Donatella herself calling him “the best sneaker designer in the world.”
Branching Out and Creative Ventures
Not one to rest on his laurels, Bembury launched his own creative brand, Spunge, in 2020, expanding his influence beyond the sneaker industry. He collaborated with New Balance on the ‘Peace Be The Journey’ sneaker, inspired by his love of hiking around Los Angeles, which became an instant hit among sneaker enthusiasts and influencers alike.
Continuing his winning streak, Bembury surprised the world with a collaboration with Chinese sportswear brand Anta, producing a futuristic hiking shoe that captured the imagination of footwear enthusiasts worldwide. His dedication and creativity were recognized when he was named Footwear News’ FN Designer of the Year in 2020.
In June 2021, Bembury released the ‘Water Be The Guide’ New Balance collaboration, a follow-up to his previous successful project. The sneaker, inspired by the bright blues of Havasu Falls in Arizona, was met with immense enthusiasm, selling out in record time.
The collaboration between Salehe Bembury and Crocs has brought forth a groundbreaking fusion of function and form. Unveiled in 2021, the Pollex Clog embodies the designer’s distinctive “fingerprint” motif, ingeniously incorporated into the molded foam upper. This innovative design features concave ridges, enhancing traction in multiple directions, while the upper perforations ensure optimal breathability. The shoe’s unique feature includes a removable heel strap, ensuring a secure fit. Representing a remarkable departure from the Classic Clog, the Crocs Pollex Clog by Salehe Bembury skillfully blends heritage with cutting-edge shoe-making techniques.
His most recent collaboration comes from the likes of Italian heritage brand Moncler. Named Moncler ?quipements, the collection draws inspiration from an archived Moncler mountaineering line dating back to the late 1950s. Salehe skillfully reinterprets the brand’s original design codes with his distinctive creative language. As an avid hiker, Salehe infuses Moncler’s DNA into his vision, creating a utilitarian uniform tailor-made for rewilding. A mutual love for the wilderness inspires a nature-inspired palette, featuring burnt oranges, sunset corals, moss greens, and muted browns, reminiscent of the untamed trails.
Moncler ?quipements is an exploration of palette, shape, and utility. From extensive time spent in the wilderness, I have developed a deep appreciation for nature and the elements that come with it. – Salehe Bembury.
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Bembury’s approach to sneaker design is deeply rooted in the experiences and emotions that defined the golden age of sneaker culture. He seeks to create not just a product but an experience—an individual story that captures the magic of discovery, akin to the feelings he experienced when exploring hidden gems in downtown New York stores.
As a pioneer in bringing luxury sneaker design to high fashion, Salehe Bembury’s influence extends far beyond his innovative creations. His journey from an eager newcomer to a respected and acclaimed designer showcases the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take initiative. Through his dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative frontiers, Bembury is undoubtedly leaving an indelible mark on the international footwear design scene, solidifying his place at the peak of sneaker world domination.
