If Jerry Lorenzo’s year 2023 was going to be marked by anything, it would be by the celebration of ten years in the fashion industry of the Fear of God brand and by the celebration of his first fashion show, which took place this week in the city of Los Angeles and more specifically in the famous Hollywood Bowl amphitheater.
This was not just any fashion show, but “THE SHOW” of Jerry, and as a special occasion (marked in the calendar of many for a long time) that it was, it required a location and a staging to match the event. And so it was, everything was decorated in neutral tones to match the look of the collection presented.
Everything started with a big hydrogen cloud and the performance of several songs from an upright piano by the British artist Sampha. Once this had happened and the thousands of guests were ready to soak up the talent of J.L., America Gonzalez, one of the most sought-after top models of the moment, opened the fashion show and gave way to almost 60 looks that, as Lorenzo said backstage, celebrated American luxury, without ignoring the difficulties he has experienced, because not everything has been a bed of roses nor has it been easy to reach the position in which Jerry finds himself, who has been humble, recalling his origins and how his ancestors picked cotton to get ahead. It is curious what he tells of how his grandmother picked cotton and now his father brings him fabric books and the best cotton for him to choose from. How capricious life can be at times. ….
Black was the predominant color in the first part of the show, which became lighter at times as it unfolded, giving way to other neutral tones such as beige and white in all its versions. Could this transition of colors be related to some aspect or experience of the designer? We don’t know, but what we are familiar with are the relaxed and sometimes fitted silhouettes of the garments presented, something fundamental to the spirit of the brand, as well as the textures such as leather and wool that came into play to add a touch of luxury and complexity to the proposal. We say complexity because there were moments when the line could perfectly relate to the saying “nothing is what it seems”, as wool coats were transformed into collarless furs, and shaved sheepskin bombers looked like high tops.
Complementing the eighth collection was what some predicted before the show, which is that on that day Jerry Lorenzo would present Fear of God Athletics, the long-awaited collaboration with Adidas Basketball consisting of apparel and trainers, which has only been seen at a FOG Athletics pop-up since it was announced in 2021.
Let’s hope it won’t be another ten years before another Fear of God show is held and we can enjoy Jerry Lorenzo’s vision. See the collection below:
