Carlo Aragon on Building Salomonology and a Global Style Movement
From a simple sneaker moodboard born in Seattle’s rain, Carlo’s Salomonology has grown into a global community redefining how fashion and function intersect online
Roots in the outdoors
When Seattle native Carlo Aragon created Salomonology during the pandemic, it began as something simple: a digital moodboard to justify a pair of Salomon XT-6 sneakers. He wanted to see how others were wearing them, to study their versatility, and to imagine how they could fit into his own wardrobe. Over time, what started as a personal reference point grew into an online community centered on creativity and connection.
Carlo’s relationship with outdoor gear runs deep. Growing up in a city defined by its rain, mountains, and parks, technical clothing was a way of life. When the global rise of “gorpcore” blurred the line between outdoor gear and fashion, he recognized the potential for something larger.
The rugged practicality of Salomon shoes began to intersect with streetwear, creating a new visual language that combined function and fashion.
His early influences played a foundational role. Long before Salomonology, Carlo was immersed in online sneaker forums like NIKETALK and Superfuture, spaces where communities formed around shared curiosity.
“I spent hours learning about new releases and how people styled them,” he recalls. Even as a student, he was meticulous about his appearance, matching his shell jacket to his sneakers on rainy mornings. Those details would later define the vision that characterizes Salomonology today.
A curator, not a trendsetter
What distinguishes Carlo’s platform is its authenticity. Though it has grown beyond his personal control, he continues to see himself as a curator rather than a creator of trends. “The page has taken on a life of its own,” he says. “It’s become a reflection of a whole community.”
The tone, visuals, and mood of the platform serve as both inspiration and archive for those drawn to the intersection of sport and style.
As gorpcore evolves, Carlo believes its influence will remain. “Trends come and go,” he says, “but appreciation for the technical aspects of outdoor products will always be there.” Even in Southeast Asia, where heavy jackets meet tropical weather, the aesthetic has found its place.
“People are starting to value materials like GORE-TEX, Cordura, and Vibram,” he explains. “I’d rather sweat than look regular,” he adds with a laugh, quoting a popular saying within the community.
Beyond the aesthetic
For Carlo, the appeal of gorpcore goes beyond fashion. “Whether we wear these products for their technical purpose or style, they ultimately take us outside,” he says. The statement underscores a core idea: that dressing for the outdoors, even in urban spaces, is a way to reconnect with the physical world.
That philosophy also shapes his creative process. Each post on Salomonology reflects attention to visual consistency and emotional depth. “I approach every project with intent and clarity,” he says. “Anything that feels superfluous doesn’t belong.” His focus remains on building a foundation of trust and creativity within the community, values he considers essential to its longevity.
The project has also begun to move beyond the screen. In July, Carlo collaborated with Salomon’s global team for a summer shopping event at the brand’s SoHo flagship in New York City. It was a tangible milestone for a platform born from digital curiosity. “The best results come from collaboration,” he says. “I’m excited to see where this partnership goes next.”
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A vision for Southeast Asian style
Looking at Southeast Asia’s growing streetwear scene, he sees both promise and opportunity. “Many brands still look to Western aesthetics, but I think the next step is to develop a more personal design language.” For him, meaningful work begins when creators move past imitation and build from their own identities.
Asked what advice he would give to those trying to find their footing, Carlo is direct. “Find something that’s truly missing in the creative space,” he says. “Let passion guide you, and stop comparing your progress to others.” It is a philosophy that has guided Salomonology from a single post into a global community.
At its heart, Carlo’s project captures something essential about contemporary culture: the desire for connection in a fragmented world. What started as a moodboard has grown into a movement, and what was once a single pair of shoes now speaks to a broader idea of belonging, creativity, and the spaces where people gather to share both.
Salomonology is an online community founded by Carlo Aragon during the pandemic. It began as a personal moodboard dedicated to Salomon footwear and has since grown into a global platform exploring the intersection of outdoor gear, fashion, and community.
Carlo Aragon started Salomonology as a small outfit board to see how people styled the Salomon XT-6 sneakers. Over time, it evolved into a space for creative expression and connection among people who value both function and style.
Growing up in Seattle, he was surrounded by outdoor culture and functional fashion. His interest in sneakers, design, and community led him to merge those influences into Salomonology.
Salomonology helped popularize technical outdoor wear as a part of everyday style, especially in Southeast Asia. It has also shown how digital communities can shape fashion trends and brand collaborations.
Carlo’s philosophy centers on authenticity, practicality, and community. His story encourages people to embrace functional pieces as part of their wardrobe.
Photos courtesy Carlo Aragon/Salomonology
