Salehe Bembury, born in Tribeca, New York, developed a passion for sneakers and fashion that ultimately led him to pursue a degree in design at Syracuse University. His journey in the footwear industry began as a designer for Payless Shoe Source. In 2011, he joined Cole Haan’s innovation team, where he gained recognition for creating the LunarGrand silhouette, a unique fusion of classic wingtips and Nike soles.
In 2015, Bembury took a bold step by reaching out to Kanye West’s YEEZY team via email. This initiative resulted in an invitation to Los Angeles to collaborate with the YEEZY brand. During his time with YEEZY, Bembury played a significant role in creating signature styles for the brand’s season 3 and 4 projects.
In September 2017, Salehe Bembury shot his shot and contacted Versace through LinkedIn. Proposing a revamp of the brand’s sneaker category, he was hired in the same month. His tenure at Versace showcased his versatility.
After leaving Versace in 2020, Bembury continues to make waves in the industry through collaborations with various brands. Notable partnerships include projects with New Balance, Crocs, Moncler, and Anta. These collaborations are higlighting his ability to bring a fresh perspective to diverse brands and contribute innovative designs to the world of fashion and footwear.
HELLA INSPIRED.
