Jerry Lorenzo is the visionary behind Fear of God, a label that has effortlessly redefined American luxury streetwear since its launch in 2013. Lorenzo’s path to becoming one of today’s most influential designers wasn’t mapped out in any traditional sense—he was never formally trained in fashion, nor did he grow up in its orbit. Instead, the son of former MLB player and coach Jerry Manuel carved his own route, blending influences from his upbringing, his time in sports marketing, and his experiences in L.A.’s nightlife scene.
Before Fear of God, Lorenzo wore many hats. He worked stockrooms and storefronts at Diesel, hustled in corporate sponsorships for the Dodgers, and later promoted some of L.A.’s hottest parties. Each of these chapters taught him something vital about brand building and the power of image. When he eventually turned to fashion, it was with the conviction to create clothes that spoke to his own sense of style—an aesthetic that was at once effortless and elevated, grounded and aspirational.
Lorenzo’s first collection caught the attention of Virgil Abloh, who took it straight to Kanye West. That early support set off a chain reaction of collaborations, from working with Kanye on Yeezus merch to styling Justin Bieber for his Purpose tour. But Lorenzo’s signature is more than just celebrity endorsements; it’s about an instinctive understanding of what’s cool right now, while also feeling timeless. Fear of God isn’t just a brand—it’s a mindset that has resonated with everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Ellen DeGeneres.
Completely self-funded and independent, Fear of God is proof that authenticity sells. In a space often dominated by hype and fast fades, Lorenzo has managed to build something that’s both current and enduring, expanding into footwear with Nike and high fashion through collaborations with luxury houses like Ermenegildo Zegna. With every collection, he continues to refine his language—one that speaks directly to the culture, but in a way that transcends it.
