Exploring the Art and Craft of Footwear Design: A Conversation with Color Designer Edenlys Beylard

Born and raised in the French Alps, just 40km away from Annecy, Edenlys Beylard's passion for history and design was evident from a young age. Fascinated by how objects and clothes can impact a culture and civilization, she decided to study pattern making in Geneva as a teenager. Eager to delve deeper into the design process and creation, Edenlys pursued her studies at la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, now known as IFM (Institut Français de la Mode), where she earned a MA in Fashion Design with a major in accessories. Her journey into the world of footwear design began during her studies, where she discovered the complexity and allure of footwear design, leading her to specialize in this field. At Salomon, she started in Performance and later transitioned to Sportstyle products.

SALOMON: Can you walk us through your design process? How do you approach a new project?

Edenlys Beylard: I start first with imagery research through books, magazines, or the internet and share it with the extended team, including Marketing, Material Developers, and Project Managers, to set the design direction. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is aligned from the beginning. Based on this starting point, I collect materials and think about a color direction aligned with our overall CMF strategy for the footwear platform. I also consider the latest trends and how they can be integrated into our designs. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with the team to refine and adjust the design as needed, ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.

S: What are some of the biggest challenges you face during the design process?

EB: The main challenge in color design is ensuring the storytelling of the project aligns with consumer needs and the creative direction. It's crucial to create a product that resonates with the target audience while also pushing the boundaries of design. Balancing innovation with market expectations can be tricky. Additionally, sourcing the right materials that meet our sustainability goals without compromising on quality or performance is always a challenge. We strive to use eco-friendly materials, but they must also be durable and suitable for the demands of outdoor activities. This requires constant research and testing to find the perfect balance.

S: Can you tell us about the creation of the Phantasm Made in France? What makes this project special?

EB: That was one of my favorite projects that has been out recently. Beyond the design, it’s also the collaboration around the project that has been great. With the product designer Paul Veillerette and the industrial, ASF, and material team, we fostered a great synergy and the desire to break boundaries to create a performance shoe made in France that is durable and looks great. The Phantasm Made in France project is special because it represents our commitment to local manufacturing and sustainability. By producing the shoe in France, we were able to reduce our carbon footprint and support local industries. The project also allowed us to experiment with new materials and techniques, resulting in a high-performance shoe that stands out in the market.

S: What has been your favorite project to work on so far and why?

EB: I enjoyed my first season with the road running team working on FW24. Coming from a lifestyle background from my previous work experience, it was my first time working on performance footwear and discovering a new field of play. This project was particularly exciting because it allowed me to apply my design skills in a new context and learn about the specific needs of performance athletes. The collaboration with the team was incredibly rewarding, and seeing the final product being used by runners was a proud moment for me. It was a great learning experience that broadened my understanding of footwear design and its impact on athletic performance.

S: Can you share any memorable moments or breakthroughs from that project?

EB: Discovering the campaign or seeing people on the start line of races with the shoes felt like Christmas to me. At the end of the day, all the energy we put into our footwear is for people to go outside and enjoy the outdoors. One memorable moment was when we received feedback from a professional athlete who praised the comfort and performance of the shoes. It was a validation of all our hard work and attention to detail. Another breakthrough was the development of a new material that significantly reduced the weight of the shoe without compromising its durability. This innovation was a game-changer and highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and experimentation in design.

S: What exciting developments or trends do you see coming in the future for Salomon footwear?

EB: Right now, I am working on lifestyle products, and it’s interesting to see this category growing. More and more younger generations are getting into the product, willing to learn and discover outdoor activities, and eager to get closer to nature. This shift is driving us to create designs that are not only functional but also stylish and appealing to a broader audience. We are also focusing on sustainability, exploring new materials and processes that reduce our environmental impact. The future of Salomon footwear lies in innovation, both in terms of design and sustainability, to meet the evolving needs of our consumers.

Through her innovative designs and collaborative efforts, Edenlys Beylard continues to push the boundaries of footwear design at Salomon. Her dedication to balancing aesthetic appeal with functional performance, along with her commitment to sustainability, ensures that her creations resonate with a diverse range of consumers. As she looks to the future, Edenlys is excited about the growing interest in lifestyle products and the potential for further innovation in the field.