Interview: Fear of God's Jerry Lorenzo Speaks on the Latest Season's Inspiration, Turning Up in Paris, and His Personal Perspective

The designer of Kanye West's latest favorite brand speaks out.

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Complex Original

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Los Angeles-based label Fear of God is defined by an interesting juxtaposition; a bricolage of inspiration that contrasts with simple designs, creating the brand’s signature aesthetic. While the garments tell a story themselves, it is Fear of God’s most recent lookbook that fully breathed life into the creations of owner Jerry Lorenzo, which enlightened fans on the themes that are driving his creative process.

Above all else, Fear of God is a culmination of Lorenzo’s meditation on grunge, hip-hop, and fashion cultures, manifesting through subtle silhouettes and minimal design. During our discussion with Jerry, we learned about the ideas that he draws upon for his collections, and spoke about the vibes in Paris during the most recent Fashion Week.

Fear of God is characterized by very particular fits. Is this a personal aesthetic that has developed over time? 
I think most people that create do so from a personal level of taste or aesthetic. Fear of God is my take on a lot of things. It’s really just a perspective; my perspective on clothing or fashion and what resonates with me. The style is one that is pretty specific, but you can definitely say that it developed over time and will always be developing. My palette is rooted in the late '80s and early '90s era of the effortlessness of grunge clashing against the sharpness of the skinhead vibes of that time. As fashion evolves, I’m sure my silhouettes will continue to be modernized and appropriate, but the inspiration will never change.

Can you explain how the brand’s concept became so precisely defined? How were you drawn to these values?
I was really drawn to creating what I felt was missing in the market. There were certain details that I wanted to see on pieces, silhouettes, fits and fabrics that I wanted to see together. The only way to attain that was to create it and to build it.

Talk about your creative process for creating the “Brother’s Keeper” lookbook…
"Brother’s Keeper" was a concept that came about between my creative partner CeeJe and I. I knew I wanted Micky Ayoub as the face and the “London Skinhead” vibe juxtaposed with the backdrop of the film Gummo was the theme; wasted youth, searching for a greater purpose. It’s really more of a story of the modern day disciple.  There are so many layers to the skinhead theme; from the public’s misunderstanding of the roots of skinheads, to the intimidating and fearful vibe of the sub-culture, to the clothes, and it just felt right.  And “right” is all I am concerned about. Putting out a perspective that I feel is 100% me.

Was it your intention to tell a story? Can we expect such a defined execution for future collections?
My intention is always to tell a story. I'm more of a story teller than a designer. And yes, the execution will only improve and be more defined. I didn't graduate from design school, and I don't have any fashion-house experience. I'm a retail kid and am learning as I go. I will only get better.

Could you explain why you’ve been collaborating with boutiques such as Copenhagen’s Storm or Chicago's RSVP Gallery?
RSVP is like family and I was introduced to Rasmus at Storm from Guiellermo of 424 on Fairfax. There was no “selling” involved. We all felt that a partnership was a natural fit.   

What about some of your favorite boutiques personally?
Honestly, I don't shop like I used to. If I want a Saint Laurent piece, I'll go to Saint Laurent. Maxfield in LA is dope and I usually hit the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for vintage pieces. I do most of my shopping now online, which is a big reason why Fear Of God puts so much energy into our online shop. Understanding the shift in shopping behavior; I wanted to meet my customer where they are.

What was the mood like in Paris fashion week? Any favorite collections?
I mean, it’s Paris. Hard to catch a bad vibe. Lanvin and Paul Smith to me were the best collections. Pigalle by far had the best presentation. Love what those cats are doing.

What was the playlist at Club 79 like during the Been Trill party? What’s on your personal playlist?
Man, Virgil and Matt killed it! Of course they played Yeezus, Future, Drake, Chief Keef… They kept it trapped out for the most part. My personal playlist... I've been a bit lazy lately, depending on Benji B set-lists. You can never go wrong there.

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