Salehe Bembury's Fingerprints Are All Over This Moncler Drop
Brand: Moncler x Salehe Bembury
Collection: Moncler ēquipements
Buy: Online from the Highsnobiety Shop for an exclusive 24-hour period.
Release Date: July 13 from the Highsnobiety Shop before a wider release at select retailers on July 14.
Editor's notes: With the consistent stream of collaborative releases that have come from Salehe Bembury over the past few years, it's a surprise to discover that the designer has never created a full ready-to-wear collection. That is until getting tapped by Moncler Genius.
Bringing his signature fingerprint motif to a full utilitarian uniform, his latest collaboration, titled Moncler ēquipements, sees the sneaker designer branch out.
“Moncler ēquipements is an exploration of palette, shape, and utility,” says Bembury. “From extensive time spent in the wilderness, I have developed a deep appreciation for nature and the elements that come with it.”
Inspired by an archive Moncler mountaineering line from the late '50s, the collection includes GORE-TEX outerwear, utilitarian backpacks, and quilted nylon pants that come in a nature-inspired palette.
But the avid hiker and sneaker designer didn't stop there, he also put his own spin on Moncler's outdoor-focused Trailgrip footwear model.
The trail-ready sneakers have seen some big modifications recently, from being 3-D printed to getting a summer-ready makeover, and Bembury's version doubles down on functionality.
Sat on top of a special Vibram MEGAGRIP rubber compound, the upper is crafted from embroidered ballistic nylon which has been made waterproof through a GORE-TEX membrane.
And just in case you were still debating whether this is yet another luxury hiking-inspired outdoor shoe that can't handle tough trail conditions, it also includes a molded TPU spoiler, OrthoLite® insole, and carbon fiber between the midsole and tread. Don't get it twisted, this is a proper hiking-ready sneaker.
Making sure the whole collection functions both as utilitarian outdoor gear and luxury clothing is central to this collection: “This campaign is a dialogue about humanizing luxury. My goal is to harmoniously balance Moncler DNA with the heritage of the outdoors,” says Bembury. “This collection embodies a juxtaposition of ethos rarely seen in either environment.”