Fear of God founder Jerry Lorenzo sits down with Complex editor-in-chief Aria Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation about independence, legacy, and redefining American luxury on his own terms. Lorenzo reflects on receiving the CFDA Icon Innovator Award, why he still feels like an outsider in luxury fashion, and what it meant to show up at the Met Gala with a vision of Black elegance rooted in dignity—not spectacle.
He breaks down how Fear of God’s three pillars (Essentials, Athletics, and Mainline) work together, how Essentials funds the bigger dream, and why he’s committed to building a lasting heritage house rather than taking a creative director job elsewhere. Jerry also opens up about the emotional impact of Virgil Abloh’s death, the responsibility of being one of the few Black-owned brands operating at the highest level, and the storytelling behind key moments like the Civil Collection and his MLB campaign.
Finally, he gives an unfiltered update on Fear of God Athletics with Adidas, explains why the partnership is ending, and shares what’s next—including new retail stores planned for Los Angeles and New York, and a future vision that could rival the biggest American fashion legacy brands.