Salehe Bembury: The Sneaker Wizard
Salehe Bembury is a designer known for his work in the fashion and footwear industry. Born in the United States, Bembury has gained recognition for his creative genius and is best recognized for its ground-breaking integration of organic shapes and nature-inspired motifs into his designs.
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.
After graduation, Bembury 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.
In 2017, he reached one of his significant career milestones which was serving as the Vice President of Sneakers and Men's Footwear at Versace for three years. During his time at Versace, Salehe Bembury's noteworthy creations included the Chain Reaction, endorsed by 2 Chainz, a retro sneaker inspired by Apple, the distinctively wavy SQUALO, and the patterned Trigreca.
He was then named the 2020 Designer of the Year by FN, and at the end of the year, decided to move on from his role at Versace to build his own brand.
Bembury has been involved in triumphant collaborations with industry giants like New Balance, Moncler, and Crocs – he has consistently pushed the boundaries of footwear innovation. In 2020, Bembury collaborated with New Balance to create a unique and highly sought-after sneaker called the New Balance 2002R "Water Be the Guide" and "Peace Be The Journey."
Right after the successful drop of the New Balance collab, Bembury partnered with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA where he delivered a pair of new silhouettes — the SB-01 and the SB-02. The shoes featured a new cushioning technology created by Bembury called Anta Nest. The new tech, which Anta said will be used across the brand, is a cushioning innovation inspired by birds nests.
Additionally, Salehe Bembury has also collaborated with Crocs, a brand known for its comfortable and distinctive foam clog footwear. The collaboration resulted in the creation of a unique Crocs clog featuring Bembury's design touch.
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.
Credits: Bodega, Design Scene