By Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes.com

Living in NYC is described as a sponge-like experience according to Saleha Bembury - queue his organically inspired footwear designs. The mind of Bembury is just as absorbent in displaying his latest creation this year at Miami Art Basel 2023. He is unveiling a new vinyl toy design that represents the aesthetic fans have become familiar with - us sneakerheads, at least.

With the help of American Express Platinum, Salehe Bembury has manifested his interpretation of a puffer fish, which he recognizes for its sponge-like ability. This inspiration and organic transformation have been informing the footwear designer for some time as he ascended to the artist he is today. Collaborating with PlayLab, Inc., the gallery will showcase reimagined iconic toys as limited edition collectibles and art pieces from artists, including the puffer fish toy from Salehe Bembury.

“My toy is my brand's logo is Spunge, spelled S-P-U-N-G-E," Bembury explains the inspiration for his creation. "The brand mascot, if you will, is a puffer fish, which, in itself, is a sponge. I think the most valuable thing you can be in life is a sponge - constantly absorbing. Ultimately my brand is a representation of those learned experiences. I think [it's] an important idea to communicate to the audience and for people to adapt to their own lives.”

Born in TriBeCa New York, the downtown kid, meticulously crafted his way into streetwear with shoe designs that have wowed the masses. American Express Platinum is set to host PLAY, an interactive gallery during Art Week in Miami. "I am from New York City. Born specifically in Tribeca, New York. Oh, nice. Born and raised, very proud. Native New Yorker. Moved to Los Angeles seven years ago for what was the dream job of designing sneakers for Kanye West."

Before that, the footwear savant was at Cole Hann, where he followed his then-design director out West to join the Yeezy production team, ultimately reaching a career-high, at the time. Bembury notes, “It was more than just sneakers. It was inspiration, it was culture. I submitted some work - then after some time, I became the head of men's shoes for Kanye." Bembury would then move on to Versace, where he designed Iconic footwear for the brand that featured a notable rap artist, 2 Chainz, in its rollout.

Being the sponge that he is, Bembury hindsight of his New York upbringing offered more than he expected. This amalgamation of culture was subversively fluid in its delivery for the designer. He explains, "Well, it's interesting because I think that [and] a lot of the things that enhance, inspire, and or influence New Yorkers are things that we don't notice.” 

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