Salehe Bembury: No Stranger to Adventure in the World of Footwear.
Salehe Bembury, the maverick in the footwear game, is a seasoned adventurer in the realms of streetwear and high-end sneakers.
From his impactful stints at Yeezy and Versace to groundbreaking collaborations with industry giants, Bembury's journey reads like an exploration of uncharted territories. Notably, he left an indelible mark with the creation of New Balance's iconic “Peace Be the Journey” 2002R sneakers and the unexpected success story of the ribbed Pollex Clogs in collaboration with Crocs.
A native of Tribeca, New York, Bembury's venture into footwear began at Payless Shoe Source before catapulting to prominence with the revolutionary LunarGrand silhouette at Cole Haan in 2011 – a fusion of classic wingtips and Nike soles. Recognized by none other than Kanye West, Bembury joined the Yeezy design team in 2015.
His creative prowess reached new heights with Yeezy's season 3 and 4 projects, unleashing must-have suede military-boot inspired high-tops that quickly became essentials for hypebeasts on the lookout for the next big thing.
In a bold move in September 2017, Bembury, always one to embrace adventure, reached out to Versace via LinkedIn, proposing a sneaker revolution for the luxury brand. His pitch not only secured him a role but also left an enduring legacy with the Chain Reaction, a $920 sneaker that played a pivotal role in transforming the then-nascent chunky, 'ugly sneaker' trend into a global phenomenon.
Post-Versace, Bembury's adventurous spirit continued with groundbreaking collaborations – from New Balance to Crocs (with a deal extending into 2025) and Moncler. His avant-garde designs not only captivate the luxury scene but also make waves among major retailers. Salehe Bembury, a name synonymous with adventure in the world of footwear.
