Latest news with #SaleheBembury
Fast Company
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Salehe Bembury dresses with ‘cartoon character consistency'
Today, Salehe Bembury is one of the most in-demand designers in sneakers, who has collaborated with brands including New Balance, Crocs, Versace, Moncler, and Vans. With an aesthetic rooted in a combination of an outdoor lifestyle and funky, organic shapes, Bembury has reimagined streetwear as something as biological as it is mechanical. But it's almost impossible to centrifuge Bembury's fashion aesthetic from his own brand, and that's in part by design and what it means to be a creative in the era of social media. 'We're all kind of like cartoon characters in this space . . . we're all just like kids in high school in the hallway, comparing outfits and competing and all that shit,' Bembury says ahead of the release of his first career retrospective. 'It's like, fucking Bart Simpson or Doug Funnie opening up their closet and seeing all blue shorts and orange T-shirts. So I would say that that's what exists with my current selection of clothing, is that it just all fits within this cartoon character consistency.' Bembury says his fashion sense was originally born from mimicry—Nike ads and other influences that informed his style. But as he grew older, he learned, as we all do, what works on his body—and he began considering his own signature look. Roughly a decade ago, he started carrying a wooden briefcase everywhere he went. 'That was me shouting 'I'm an individual!'' he laughs. Beanies, too, were almost always in the mix. But a move to L.A. led him to ditch the beanie, and an evolving aesthetic led him to retire the briefcase. His personal style became grounded in comfort, wearing high cinched Satoshi Nakamoto pants most days, any matter of tee, and maybe a Boro stitch (Japanese repaired denim) jacket up top. Handkerchiefs, a cycling cap, and wraparound shades often complete the look. Grounding it all is an anchor in comfort. 'Take it back to childhood, I just remember what it felt like to go to church, and I hated that feeling, and I also thought that that feeling was representative of what it meant to have a job,' says Bembury. 'Entering the professional space . . . when I first got a job at Cole Haan, and like, what I was wearing back then. It was in an effort to try to hold on to some level of individuality, but then also be a working professional. I'd wear a plaid button down and Dickies. Is that professional? I'm not really sure, but like, that was my attempt at it.' Now, Bembury has evolved from wearing Uniqlo, to tailored off-the-shelf garments, to more bespoke pieces. 'That comes down to a combination of education and resources,' he says. And while he knows that's a privilege, he does wish to remind the public that they don't need to settle for the fit off-the-rack. 'Actually, I get a lot of messages where people are simply curious how I get my pants like that. I think that's also displaying maybe just a lack of understanding of simple tailoring,' he says. 'I don't even think a lot of people see that even as an option. But if you just taper these pants or crop them, they become a different pant!' Describe your style in a sentence. Comfortable, utilitarian, with a dash of Japan. What's the one piece in your closet you'll never get rid of? Proleta re Art made me a boro fabric North Face Supreme jacket. A$AP Rocky has a quote, 'we don't rock clothes, we rock pieces.' And that is a piece. How long does it take you to get dressed in the morning? Not long (a few minutes). The longest investments may be around Paris Fashion Week. What do you wear to a big meeting? It doesn't change. What's the best piece of fashion advice you've ever gotten? It's probably the most said one, but it's just like, 'the best version of yourself you can be is yourself.' With the uniform that I've achieved, and with what I wear, it is myself to the fullest.
Hypebeast
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Salehe Bembury's Crocs Pollex Juniper "F&F Tree Camo" Finally Drops Next Week
Name:Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Juniper 'F&F Tree Camo'Colorway:F&F Tree CamoSKU:TBCMSRP:$140 USDRelease Date:July 24Where to Buy:BeASpunge Update:Salehe Bembury and Crocs have had a relatively quiet year so far, in part due to his new involvement withPUMA Hoops. However, a long-awaited launch is nearly here. Teased in May of 2024, a camouflaged version of the Crocs Pollex Juniper has eluded fans of the duo for over a year now. A similar struggle occurred with the two'sPollex Clog'F&F Tree Camo,' which was unveiled in 2022, labeled an F&F-exclusive, and eventually dropped to the public earlier this year. Now, its Pollex Juniper 'F&F Tree Camo' counterpart is ready to drop. A camouflage-equipped upper is backed by forest green at the collar and pull tab while the shoe's signature sole unit favors a semi-translucent gum finish. Look for the sneaker to arrive on shelves via BeASpunge on July 24 at a starting price of $140 USD. Original Story:After many months of teasers,Salehe BemburyandCrocs'latest silhouette to join thePollexline is finally set to arrive this month. Announced last week, theCrocs Pollex Junipersneaker is due to release in its debut'Guava'colorway at the end of the month. However, there's clearly plenty more in store for the shoe as not only was ablue and orange pairunveiled back in February, but Bembury has just showcased a 'Realtree Camo' version of the shoe via his Instagram feed as well. Equipped with the iconic camouflage throughout its upper's base, this take on the Pollex Juniper is sure to stand out — or blend in, depending on where you take it. The mostly-brown base is accompanied by a forest green at the collar and a semi-translucent gum sole that again sports Bembury's signature fingerprint motif. While limited to just one image, the preview also makes note of an orange co-branded hangtag and the duo's usual co-branding at the tongue tag. At the time of writing, neither Salehe Bembury nor Crocs have shared any release details regarding this 'Realtree Camo' iteration of the new Crocs Pollex Juniper sneaker. Stay tuned for updates, including a closer look at this pair, as we expect it to arrive via Crocs later this year.
Fashion Network
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Salehe Bembury talks new Puma collaboration and the art of capturing brand DNA
In Paris, outside of Fashion Week shows, the city beats to the rhythm of brand initiatives that want to capture the effervescence of the French capital. The Marais district comes alive with showrooms for international brands, while galleries and private mansions become fashion havens. Some are even opening up to the public, such as Puma, which on Wednesday inaugurated a pop-up store with an immersive installation in the colors of its new Velum model, imagined by star sneaker designer Salehe Bembury. A hundred models were available for sale at the launch. The American designer, who earned his stripes in the industry at Yeezy alongside Kanye West during the brand's heyday, was also present for the presentation. Renowned for his exploration of organic textures and original shapes, he brought his vision to Versace from 2017, for whom he created the Chain reaction model, but also to New Balance, Moncler Genius, and Crocs, to which he brought a fashion boost with his Pollex Clog with its biomorphic aesthetic. For the New York designer explains his creative approach. Paris is in the midst of Fashion Week. Have you been to any shows this season? Salehe Bembury: I saw three shows on Tuesday, including the Louis Vuitton show last night. It's a brand with which I have a close relationship. So I'm always delighted to see what they develop. And the venue was incredible. It was at the Centre Pompidou. And, yes, it was great. FNW: Here we are in the space dedicated to your Velum model for Puma. When did you start working with the brand? S.B: We started working together at the beginning of 2024. Initially, the project was based on Hoops, Puma's basketball line. The idea was to design products for their star athlete (American basketball player Tyrese Haliburton). But we saw opportunities in consumer demand. So we thought about how to address other audiences and satisfy other expectations. And I naturally thought of the running silhouette, with which I have a close relationship. It's a truly universal silhouette because it's as much about use as it is about lifestyle. FNW: And how did you go about the project? S.B: So I suggested doing something that could be developed in a shorter timeframe. The idea was not to create a product from scratch, but rather a Mr. Potato Head exercise. We took existing elements from the Puma range, then I injected some of my design sensibilities. And the result is this Velum. FNW: But it's very different to work on a performance foot and create a lifestyle product? S.B: I'm no car expert, but I'd compare it to different ranges of the same model. Even if they're similar, it's in the engine and in the details that the differences lie. On the Velum, you have a plate in the stem that's just decorative. On a performance model, you'll have a carbon fiber plate, one of the elements that would make it functional. And on the Hali1, the integration of a carbon fiber plate makes it a very functional shoe. The specifications remain quite similar. But if you come across an obstacle or a problem, you have to use your design knowledge to solve it. FNW: What was the brief for the Velum? S.B: At Puma, the top technology is called Nitro. And it was the basis of the project around a running lifestyle silhouette. So even though it's not a long-distance model, it retains its performance characteristics. FNW: You've worked with several brands. How do you blend your creativity with the brand's DNA? S.B: It's a question of balance. The first step in any design project is to research the history of the brand and its products. The value of a brand lies in its heritage. The fact that I'm able to use it and associate it with my stylistic identity is first and foremost an honor, but it's also an opportunity to take their product and my identity to another level. FNW: You've worked for both mass market and luxury brands. Is the creative approach different? S.B: I studied industrial design. I was really taught that all design tasks are essentially the same. In reality, every brand is different and presents new opportunities. So it's not a question of whether it's a luxury brand or a mass market brand. It's about identifying the DNA and knowing how to find something interesting to say. I've designed for a company called Payless, but also for Versace. And in terms of design execution, I think it was the same thing. FNW: You've been in the industry for over 15 years. What is your perception of the sneaker market? S.B: I think the current period is very open. We've come out of a few decades dominated by very specific brands. And I don't think that's the case anymore. For Puma, there are a lot of opportunities. The public is much more open-minded and curious about brands they may not have known before. This creates the possibility of making exciting products and creating great moments. FNW: What subjects are of particular interest to you in your creative work? S.B: For me, the most important element is the form. This may sound very simple, but I think there are a lot of brands that don't necessarily manage it. That's why, right after research, I always make sure to start by exploring the form. It's special because the consumer can refer to it without even paying attention. That's why it's so important. If we look at the toe of your shoe and the toe of mine, there's no need for a logo, because the shape recognizes the iconic Clarks toe and the iconic Puma toe. So it's all about looking at the whole foot, from all angles, and making sure you're executing to the best of your potential. FNW: After Hoops and this Velum model, what is your commitment to Puma? S.B: I can't say. But for me, it's all about long-term partnerships. I have the impression that we're in a microwave consumer society where collaborations are totally ephemeral, ready to be reheated. With Puma, I see a long-term opportunity to keep the public engaged, to create a community, to tell stories. And, most important of all, to do cool things.
Fashion Network
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Salehe Bembury talks new Puma collaboration and the art of capturing brand DNA
In Paris, outside of Fashion Week shows, the city beats to the rhythm of brand initiatives that want to capture the effervescence of the French capital. The Marais district comes alive with showrooms for international brands, while galleries and private mansions become fashion havens. Some are even opening up to the public, such as Puma, which on Wednesday inaugurated a pop-up store with an immersive installation in the colors of its new Velum model, imagined by star sneaker designer Salehe Bembury. A hundred models were available for sale at the launch. The American designer, who earned his stripes in the industry at Yeezy alongside Kanye West during the brand's heyday, was also present for the presentation. Renowned for his exploration of organic textures and original shapes, he brought his vision to Versace from 2017, for whom he created the Chain reaction model, but also to New Balance, Moncler Genius, and Crocs, to which he brought a fashion boost with his Pollex Clog with its biomorphic aesthetic. For the New York designer explains his creative approach. Paris is in the midst of Fashion Week. Have you been to any shows this season? Salehe Bembury: I saw three shows on Tuesday, including the Louis Vuitton show last night. It's a brand with which I have a close relationship. So I'm always delighted to see what they develop. And the venue was incredible. It was at the Centre Pompidou. And, yes, it was great. FNW: Here we are in the space dedicated to your Velum model for Puma. When did you start working with the brand? S.B: We started working together at the beginning of 2024. Initially, the project was based on Hoops, Puma's basketball line. The idea was to design products for their star athlete (American basketball player Tyrese Haliburton). But we saw opportunities in consumer demand. So we thought about how to address other audiences and satisfy other expectations. And I naturally thought of the running silhouette, with which I have a close relationship. It's a truly universal silhouette because it's as much about use as it is about lifestyle. FNW: And how did you go about the project? S.B: So I suggested doing something that could be developed in a shorter timeframe. The idea was not to create a product from scratch, but rather a Mr. Potato Head exercise. We took existing elements from the Puma range, then I injected some of my design sensibilities. And the result is this Velum. FNW: But it's very different to work on a performance foot and create a lifestyle product? S.B: I'm no car expert, but I'd compare it to different ranges of the same model. Even if they're similar, it's in the engine and in the details that the differences lie. On the Velum, you have a plate in the stem that's just decorative. On a performance model, you'll have a carbon fiber plate, one of the elements that would make it functional. And on the Hali1, the integration of a carbon fiber plate makes it a very functional shoe. The specifications remain quite similar. But if you come across an obstacle or a problem, you have to use your design knowledge to solve it. FNW: What was the brief for the Velum? S.B: At Puma, the top technology is called Nitro. And it was the basis of the project around a running lifestyle silhouette. So even though it's not a long-distance model, it retains its performance characteristics. FNW: You've worked with several brands. How do you blend your creativity with the brand's DNA? S.B: It's a question of balance. The first step in any design project is to research the history of the brand and its products. The value of a brand lies in its heritage. The fact that I'm able to use it and associate it with my stylistic identity is first and foremost an honor, but it's also an opportunity to take their product and my identity to another level. FNW: You've worked for both mass market and luxury brands. Is the creative approach different? S.B: I studied industrial design. I was really taught that all design tasks are essentially the same. In reality, every brand is different and presents new opportunities. So it's not a question of whether it's a luxury brand or a mass market brand. It's about identifying the DNA and knowing how to find something interesting to say. I've designed for a company called Payless, but also for Versace. And in terms of design execution, I think it was the same thing. FNW: You've been in the industry for over 15 years. What is your perception of the sneaker market? S.B: I think the current period is very open. We've come out of a few decades dominated by very specific brands. And I don't think that's the case anymore. For Puma, there are a lot of opportunities. The public is much more open-minded and curious about brands they may not have known before. This creates the possibility of making exciting products and creating great moments. FNW: What subjects are of particular interest to you in your creative work? S.B: For me, the most important element is the form. This may sound very simple, but I think there are a lot of brands that don't necessarily manage it. That's why, right after research, I always make sure to start by exploring the form. It's special because the consumer can refer to it without even paying attention. That's why it's so important. If we look at the toe of your shoe and the toe of mine, there's no need for a logo, because the shape recognizes the iconic Clarks toe and the iconic Puma toe. So it's all about looking at the whole foot, from all angles, and making sure you're executing to the best of your potential. FNW: After Hoops and this Velum model, what is your commitment to Puma? S.B: I can't say. But for me, it's all about long-term partnerships. I have the impression that we're in a microwave consumer society where collaborations are totally ephemeral, ready to be reheated. With Puma, I see a long-term opportunity to keep the public engaged, to create a community, to tell stories. And, most important of all, to do cool things.
Hypebeast
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Salehe Bembury 攜手 Mitchell & Ness 推出 New York Knicks 全新聯名系列
本文看點 Salehe Bembury與Mitchell & Ness攜手推出最新聯名企劃，此次合作聚焦於New York Knicks，將 Bembury 獨特的設計美學與 Knicks 豐厚歷史底蘊完美融合。 這項合作預計成為 Fanatics Fest NYC 2025（6 月 20 日至 22 日在 Javits Center 舉行）的焦點項目之一，Bembury 更在 Instagram 上發布了由知名演員 Luis Guzman 出鏡的宣傳預告，提前揭示此聯名系列的樣貌。 此系列為 Knicks 的經典裝備注入新意，特別是熱身外套和籃球球衣，預計將展現 Bembury 標誌性的深思熟慮的設計、獨特的材質運用以及對色彩的敏銳洞察力，並應用於 Mitchell & Ness 的頂級運動服飾上。這些單品不僅旨在吸引死忠 Knicks 球迷，也為追求時尚感的運動服飾愛好者所打造。 Salehe Bembury x Mitchell & Ness x New York Knicks 聯名系列將在 Fanatics Fest NYC 獨家首發，有興趣的讀者不妨多加留意。
