Jerry Lorenzo was born on May 10, 1977, in the United States, into a family deeply rooted in the world of sports. His father, Jerry Manuel Sr., is a former MLB star, and his mother, Renette Manuel, provided a nurturing and supportive environment for Jerry to explore his creativity and passion for fashion.
He pursued his education at Florida A&M University, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree, and later went on to earn his MBA at Loyola Marymount University. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his future success as a fashion designer and entrepreneur.
After completing his education, Jerry Lorenzo ventured into the world of sports marketing, working for the Los Angeles Dodgers and a sports marketing agency called CSMG. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to manage MLB player Matt Kemp, which sparked his interest in designing custom clothing for athletes.
In 2008, Lorenzo began designing clothing for Kemp, marking the beginning of his journey into the world of fashion design. With a mere $14,000, he laid the groundwork for what would eventually become his iconic streetwear label, Fear of God.
Founded by Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God quickly gained recognition in the fashion world for its unique blend of streetwear and high-end fashion. The label's distinctive aesthetic attracted notable celebrities, including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez, who were among the first to sport Lorenzo's designs.
One of Fear of God's defining moments came when Lorenzo created custom looks for Justin Bieber to wear on stage during his Purpose World Tour. The collaboration catapulted Fear of God into the mainstream, solidifying Lorenzo's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
In 2018, Jerry Lorenzo expanded his fashion empire by launching a subsidiary label called Essentials. This new line offered a more accessible and versatile range of clothing, further cementing Fear of God's status as a cornerstone of contemporary streetwear.
Essentials quickly gained popularity among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike, with Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Virgil Abloh being just a few of the high-profile figures seen sporting the label's minimalist yet sophisticated designs.
Jerry Lorenzo is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a devoted family man. He is married to Desire Manuel, and together they have three children: Liv, Mercy, and Jerry Lorenzo Manuel III. Lorenzo's upbringing in a family of athletes and his own experiences as a father have deeply influenced his creative vision and work ethic.
Jerry Lorenzo's influence extends far beyond the realm of fashion. His commitment to authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity has inspired a new generation of designers and creatives to push boundaries and redefine traditional notions of style.
As Fear of God continues to thrive and evolve, Jerry Lorenzo's legacy as a visionary designer and cultural icon remains as strong as ever. With his unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and storytelling, he has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.