The 2020 Footwear News Footwear Designer of the Year, Salehe Bembury is leaving Italian luxury clothing brand Versace. He confirmed his departure on HYPEBEAST. Bembury held the Vice President of Sneakers and Men’s Footwear position for the Italian fashion house. He started working with Versace in 2017 and his contract has now ended. In 2021 he will be searching for other opportunities.
Salehe went to Instagram to announce his departure and thank Donatella Versace, the owner of Versace.
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Salehe told HYPEBEAST: “Donatella Versace gave me a life-changing opportunity and a platform,” Bembury said. “It’s not common for people like me to be in this position. I don’t take this for granted, and I hope to use my role to drive progress. I’m forever grateful for what I’ve been given and incredibly proud of what we accomplished.”
Salehe Bembury designed some classic sneakers for the Versace brand. He was the lead designer on the Chain Reaction shoes in collaboration with Atlanta rapper 2-Chainz. He also spearheaded the designs of the Squalo and TriGreca.
Salehe had an amazing 2020 outside of Versace. He worked with Boston based shoe company and New Balance and produced the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R. This shoe was voted one of the top shoes in 2020 by HYPEBEAST. Bembury also collaborated with Chinese shoe company ANTA, to create the Anta Nest x Salehe Bembury. He is in the process of developing his own brand for 2021.
