Bentley Motors announced its collaboration with leading force in the customised shoe industry, Dominic Ciambrone, known as The Surgeon, to create a limited-edition line of Bentley-inspired sneakers, reserved by Mulliner clients and collectors. The collaboration brings together two icons of design, each known for their own blend of craftsmanship and unparalleled style, to create exceptional and unique fashion pieces. Bentley will unveil the 1-of-1 Bentley x The Surgeon vehicle next month during design week at Art Basel Miami to illustrate the collaboration. Alongside the car, one buyer will receive a matching pair of 1-of-1 sneakers – the ‘Bentley x The Surgeon adidas Forum Low.’ Interested parties should enquire at their local US dealers for purchase information.
A self-taught creative and maker, Dominic’s craftsmanship skills and design sensibilities focus on the ability to combine high fashion with street culture. Blending these two worlds, he has successfully pioneered a unique shoe category. Similar to Bentley’s ability to merge sustainability and innovation, Dominic famously reimagines and fuses sneakers with ultra-premium materials, creating his own inimitable style.
The Bentley x The Surgeon collaboration began in early 2022 when Dominic visited the Bentley campus in Crewe to immerse himself in the luxury British brand and explore the variety of materials, finishes and bespoke elements used throughout the creation of each and every Bentley. He tapped into the coachbuilding division of the brand, Bentley Mulliner, to bring additional creative details and bespoke elements to his designs, with exquisite direction.
Each pair of the limited-edition, handcrafted sneakers boasts unique facets, including Bentley’s signature diamond quilting, the cross-stitching found on the steering wheel, and premium hides identical to those used to trim Bentley’s unrivalled interior designs. These beautiful elements combine with The Surgeon’s signature aesthetic and skull-and-scalpel monogram.
Dominic and the Bentley Mulliner team worked to create pairs of sneakers to embody the variety in the Bentley model range. Harnessing the characteristics of three families of cars, the identifying sneakers showcase special colours unique to their core values:
- A performance focus, reflecting Bentley’s S and Speed ranges. Represented by a Titan Grey and deep red Cricket Ball colour palette, this shoe mimics the performance-ready athletic stance of the Continental GT Speed Convertible. The car is the very pinnacle of performance open-air grand touring and defines the most dynamic road-going Bentley convertible ever made, with no compromise on comfort or luxury.
- A wellbeing focus, as per Bentley’s new Azure range of models. The Portofino blue Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure typifies the range, providing Bentley customers with a curated selection of features designed to enhance the well-being and comfort of the vehicle’s occupants, making every journey a relaxing experience regardless of distance. Complementing the calm-coloured exterior, the shoe is highlighted with Saddle-coloured details inside.
- A pinnacle design to match the upcoming bespoke Mulliner collaboration car – a stealth Beluga (Black) and Anthracite (Dark Grey Metallic) exterior with complementary Linen and Beluga interior – with more information to be revealed in December.
Christophe Georges, President & CEO, Bentley Americas, comments:
“Creativity and bespoke design are consistently woven into our DNA and have been since 1919, especially with our private coachbuilding Mulliner division. Connecting and producing with a likeminded creative like The Surgeon is not only rewarding but also exciting to watch as we support the next generation of diverse craftspeople who share similar brand values.”
Dominic Ciambrone comments:
“Growing up, I was building, painting and sewing – and not just shoes – it was anything I could get my hands on. This is a very special time for The Surgeon brand and to showcase our creativity in a new light, collaborating with Bentley. The Bentley brand is at the top of its craft and represents luxury and craftsmanship at the highest level as we do— it’s very exciting to partner with them and bring these visions to life.”
