Behind the HYPE: How Salomon Brought Performance to High Fashion
From utilitarian ski gear to designer collaborations.
With roots in performance apparel, Salomon has bridged the gap between function and form as its sports-oriented silhouettes have been reimagined in an array of high profile collaborations.
Beginning in 1947 with father Francois Salomon and son Georges in the heart of the French Alps, production initially focused on saw blade and ski edge fabrication. Later, after becoming the top manufacturer of bindings worldwide in 1972, Salomon would enter the alpine boot market in 1979 with immediate success. Fast forward to today and the brand remains recognized as a major entity in outdoor sports while recently stepping foot into the world of fashion with the emerging gorpcore trend.
Initially introduced to the runway in Boris Bidjan Saberi’s Spring/Summer 2017 “Post Humanism” show, Salomon has played a key role in the evolving blend of performance wear with high-end streetwear. Since then, Salomon has been a staple in 11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi’s footwear range. The two have approached silhouettes such as the Bamba 2 and Speedcross 4 by highlighting them in object-dye treatments featuring a wide variety of colors. Not long ago COMME des GARÇONS unveiled its own take on Salomon’s runners in its Fall/Winter 2021 runway show reworking the XA-Alpine and Cross models.
Outside of the runway, Salomon has partnered with Palace three times now working on the Speedcross 4, XA COMP ADV, and XT-6, refreshing each style with a street ready look. Other previous collaborations include BEAMS, Dover Street Market, and Carhartt WIP. Each of these releases have been effective in reframing the brand image of Salomon, adding a high fashion notoriety to their storied high performance reputation.
Be sure to check out the entire Behind the HYPE episode above as we further dive into the brand’s streetwear presence. In case you missed it, the latest from Salomon includes a collaboration with HIDDEN.NY.
