30-year-old footwear designer Salehe Bembury was instrumental in helping to develop the creative around Kanye West’s YEEZY seasons three and four. Now the former member of Cole Haan’s “Innovation” team – where he aided in developing the LunarGrand silhouette – is taking his talents straight to Versace.
Bembury was recently appointed Head of Sneaker Design for the storied Italian heritage brand. In recent years, luxury retailers have struggled to stay relevant amidst society’s increasingly democratic approach to fashion. Add to that the popularity of streetwear and contemporary brands and it’s a recipe for becoming obsolete.
Considering Bembury’s pedigree it’s a likely bet that Versace is hoping he’ll bring a fresh, youthful aesthetic that will appeal to the brand’s core demographic and fashionable early adopters.