Crocs president Michelle Poole accepted the Collection of the Year award Wednesday night for Crocs x Salehe Bembury at the FN Achievement Awards 2023.
“We could not ask for a more innovative and like-minded partner,” Poole said of Bembury. “Our original Pollex Clog introduced a new design language of form and function. This collection has given us new opportunities to do what Crocs does best by inviting new consumers to experience our comfort.”
Graffiti artist and fixture of sneaker and streetwear collaborations Futura presented the award, referred to Bembury as a “homie,” and revealed he has his own project coming with Crocs.
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The win for Bembury and Crocs comes after the two parties won individual awards for Designer of the Year and Shoe of the Year in 2020 and 2021, respectively. December 2021 marked their first collaborative release with the Pollex Clog debuting in three colorways.
This year saw the line expand with the Pollex Slide, which is essentially the same shoe pared down to a single wide strap atop the foot, as well as their relationship becoming more formal through Bembury being named creative director of the Pollex line. Bembury has also begun to tease an unnamed Pollex Clog sneaker that will release in spring 2024.
Keeping in line with the finger print motif Bembury has used throughout his designs, the Pollex Clog is an amalgamation of three of his own prints. Although Crocs was already well into a hot streak of high profile collaborations, Bembury was the first outside designer given the opportunity to create his own Crocs mold.
Speaking of when he was first asked to create his own shoe, Bembury told FN in a story for its print issue, “I immediately did the Grinch smile and Birdman hand rub and said yes,” referencing memes featuring the Christmas villain and hip-hop mogul.
For many sneakerheads who hadn’t yet been captured by Crocs rise in popularity, Bembury’s background in sneaker design and his dynamic new model proved to be the hook. New colorways for the Pollex Clog continued to sell out in rapid fashion, although they’ve now become made available in greater numbers in a bid for more accessibility.
“Salehe Bembury’s Crocs Pollex collection hits on all the things consumers are looking for these days — comfort, affordability and a sleek aesthetic,” StockX merchandising director Drew Haines said in the print story. “[It] was one of the first forays into a streetwear-style aesthetic for Crocs, and it has had an undeniable impact on the brand.”
For 37 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
