Jerry Lorenzo on harnessing creativity, finding his voice and maintaining sobriety | IDEA GENERATION

[@mosimojones7714]

I watched Jerry from the beginning and what he's done for the culture cannot be forgotten. He, Ye, and Virgil opened up so many doors for people like myself to build a foundation in fashion streetwear. There is no failure at being the first to ever do it. Much respect and future success. Thank you. 💯💯💯

[@aaronsesay6]

Keep going bro

[@kelgbrown007]

You forgot Just Don

[@LloydGomez]

Can’t forget IBN and Chris Julian

[@pastense]

The fact that he started because he couldn’t find the perfect shirt/hoodie anywhere by any brand, he decided to just make it HIMSELF speaks volumes to anyone not just in fashion, but in life in general! He’s a walking embodiment of the saying “be the change you want to see.” A lot of companies that start and fail are constantly trying to please the masses, find an audience, collect followers and likes. When your product comes from a genuine place, your audience will find YOU!

[@NikiAllen]

Well Said.

[@Kevin-Kempis]

so well put!

[@Hahahahaaahaahaa]

Except he didn't make it himself...he sells really poorly designed clothing to rich brats. He's just smoother talking than most designers so doing the same thing looks different.

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

And he went off with that lux mainline. Forgot it's the streets that made him.

[@pastense]

@@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn just cuz he do that, he forgot the streets? Make that make sense. Bruh just told his life story…

[@kartikselvaraju6675]

Jerry Lorenzo has a great story-one that captivated me when he first emerged on the scene. There was something uniquely laid-back yet compelling about the color palette he chose for his collections, combined with his relaxed fit style. This was at a time when skinny fits were all the rage, and people seemed to be squeezing into smaller sizes just to keep up with the trend. Then came Jerry, who boldly put oversized clothing in the spotlight. However, now, Jerry's story has evolved into something that carries a mix of lessons and concerns that I think resonate with many people. He’s collaborated with countless brands, including direct competitors like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and Vans. To me, that suggests he's more focused on securing deals than on staying true to a particular vision or passion. And that's okay-he's a family man, and making a living is a priority for all of us. But when you're constantly switching allegiances like that, it starts to look more like business as usual than a quest for legacy, or resonance, that he speaks about very often. Another issue I see is that his collections, while consistent, lack enough differentiation. It feels like his creative ideas might be running dry. He often references Kanye, an artist who's known for constantly evolving. To stand out with each release, you need to strike the right balance between consistency and innovation, something that Jerry seems to be struggling with. As for quality, despite what he's advertised, there are numerous videos on KZbin highlighting a decline in the craftsmanship of his newer pieces, like the Essentials collection. It seems like he's compromised on quality to scale up and reach a broader audience. Sure, he could raise that quality standard, but that might mean cutting into his profit margins-which, let's be honest, he's not likely to do anytime soon when he’s charging a premium for basics like sweatpants. In the end, my biggest fear is that he might be a one-trick pony who had his moment but is now struggling to keep up. Sometimes, when I'm working, I find myself wondering if I have the creativity to stay innovative over the long haul. Watching Jerry’s journey right now, it feels like he's mistaking brand consistency for innovation, relying on the same formula while the world moves on without him. If he doesn’t adapt, he risks being left behind, jumping from contract to contract while preaching a different narrative. At this point, Fear of God feels like nothing more than a stylish airport outfit that you're willing to sit on the floor with. I really hope he steps up, ditches the PR fluff, and focuses on building a true legacy-one that matches quality with a fair price point. He was an integral part of the culture in the late 2010's, no denying that, but I don't see any room for him in 2025/2026/2027 ...

[@jaysonjackson7916]

As a Creative Director, I needed this.

[@Kikxz]

what are you the creative director of?

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Yep. Lots of pitfalls to Learn from.

[@thursdaycampbell7399]

I am in awe. I’m a self taught fashion designer and this interview has opened my mind up to so much. This is one of those interviews you come back to for sure!

[@justicehill6556]

These recent interviews y’all have put out are amazing!

[@qtriku9046]

It’s one of the only brands that still feels like true fashion. like luxury fabrics, and seeable in depth quality.

[@SouthJerseyBaitReviews]

the Mainline brand yes but essentials is far from in depth quality and known for having terrible QC for the prices ur paying.

[@Kryptiq144]

​@@SouthJerseyBaitReviewsI haven't had any problems with the essentials and prices are good when you catch the sales. The mainline is definitely better but also when you are paying $800+ for sweatpants obviously they should be way better.

[@SouthJerseyBaitReviews]

@@Kryptiq144 thats only time u should buy essentials is on sale thats when its worth buying id agree but beside that no.

[@saidkinos]

I've been a fan of this show since it was called Blueprint. Very cool to see it come full circle and keeps delivering!

[@TheDoknoh]

🙏

[@fultonstreetfreestyle]

this might be the best intro music out there..love this series

[@TheDoknoh]

Thank you so much. A-Trak really blessed us with incredible tunes...

[@oshaneH.E]

Yeah the same love intro music it feels so sweet listening to it ❤

[@MrsDD23]

Engineer here (& self taught fashion designer in the making) and you did your job inspiring me. Thank you!

[@jaimininorath5760]

I'm not a religious person by any means, but the way Jerry talks about god and his relationship is very admirable. Can definitely take a page from his book on purpose.

[@kyfhbrand]

Jerry, I appreciate you and all your words of wisdom.

[@ryanvillagomez]

Just got to say that Jerry Lorenzo is the greatest fashion designer I have ever seen. He is my favorite personally. My whole closet is Fear of God and Essentials and there is no other fashion brand like his in the way he designs and makes his collections to feel, look, and aesthetic please the eye and at the same time doing it all with God.

[@1987FABLE]

Yo Complex…..Y’ALL COOKIN’! Another incredible interview.

[@Complex]

🙏🙏🙏

[@astrosanimelab2234]

all praise to the most high! thank you for this Jerry

[@DippedInInk]

Fear of God/Essentials got the best color ways. Over the last 4-5 years I been in love wit earth tones and Jerry got the best selection.

[@LuckysPoeticJustice]

🎯🎯🎯

[@EIvory-d5d]

This interview connected with my soul 🙏🏽

[@ian.cognito.ian.cognito]

Wish JERRY would bless us more interviews, though realize his timely approach. A very admirable human being: Great interview, COMPLEX TEAM!

[@karlsuisun]

Great questions. Fantastic interview. JL is in a class of his own.

[@elorasurene]

One of the ones who started it all for Elora Surene. Thank you Jerry! 👑

[@jamespatterson7773]

I honestly liked the fear of god 1 and still do for what it was. When I got it in hand it changed my perception of footwear design and what we are actually putting on our feet. So many layers in esthetics.

[@sfadavi5724]

What he is telling us with his words is a greater gift than the stunning clothes he makes. Love to see those who are courageous to tell the truth: we are all servants of God and the glory is all His.

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

I'm getting "God trying to humble him a peg with them outrageous prices"

[@amedeo2225]

I love your honesty Jerry, that’s why I will always trust in your vision

[@adrianljumanovic6329]

thank your for this series really amazing to hear the stories and life experiences firsthand

[@bijanmachen]

Had to run this back again 🚨 #ArtHistory

[@CookieLady2return]

Enjoyed this story. Love what both men wore.❤

[@losquintz]

Complex got all my GOATs 😢 thank you❤

[@PICK3R]

Amazing share Jerry! You poured your heart out. Thank you for the inspiration and sharing the challenges of running a brand. Wish you the more success!

[@BlackMarketCreatives]

Didn’t realize how much i needed this interview.. Thanks

[@soaresishere]

What a great interview!! Well done Complex, Jerry Lorenzo was enormous about every subject , great example of being purpose oriented and business but also in life 🙌 God, Jesus Christ is King and the Truth!

[@Takethatdab]

This guy knows how to wear clothes 🔥 a great vision

[@chenzokv8986]

GOATED INTERVIEW 💎

[@Diaryofthedelusional]

Very good interview. Jerry Lorenzo is very Inspirational

[@thinkingthoughtsart]

Great interview! Shows Jerry in a more personal light. Love it 🔥💜 -B.

[@CutFromADifferentCloth7]

Dope to know that the name of his brand is more than just a cool name, it truly means something to him on a deeper level!

[@Jeromethedp]

I can relate to his influences, I am also Black and have been exposed to multiple elements of pop culture that are considered taboo for being Black in Urban America, I grew up on No Limit Cash Money DMX Eric Bennett Lenny Kravitz Monica Red Hot Chili Peppers Nirvana and it’s helped shape a diverse Pallet that I envision sharing through moving imagery Aka Videos, Documentaries involving Sport’s Figures… Etc.

[@thesedulous]

Thank you for this great interview

[@stacksondeck515]

Much love to the architect of modern streetwear. Came in a changed the game.

[@Hey_JDG]

The shaved head reset is 🔥 so nice restarting and releasing all that energy from the old hair as you go through the next journey

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Not a good look ngl. Some folks don't have a dome for it. But I get it...

[@kevvwarren]

Long overdue for a Jerry vid. Let’s goooo 🔥

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

When his clout hits a Slump

[@MarkellSpivey]

Powerful. Jerry is a good brother.

[@Dapper32]

AMAZING INTERVIEW!

[@DivineKing1x]

Excellent interview

[@Bobbyd188]

Jerry did an excellent job with the first adidas shoe. Truly felt like unwrapping a huge present.

[@jayokay7044]

Fear of price.jerry grew up Not being able to afford things and now he makes pieces for people that can’t afford it.

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Why u Hating? God Called him to Greatness!

[@jayokay7044]

@@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn just kind of hypocritical

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

@@jayokay7044 you're 100% right. I was being sarcastic.

[@jayokay7044]

@@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn 😂

[@majestymxnt7384]

Idk a 50 dollar hoodie is pretty affordable compared to a 200 dollar Sp5der hoodie or 300 dollar North Face Jacket.

[@kingdbox96]

LOVE the intro song

[@romanspataro1688]

thankful for Jerrys voice the culture. very important

[@Nattydread987]

Loved this interview

[@wenotmenetworkglobal3978]

Love how he speaks on his relationship with God

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

It's part of the lore, the history to build a certain brand appeal and legitimacy. He chose the religious route. This is all pr really. Especially considering his adidas debacle.

[@majestymxnt7384]

@@Moe_Lester_fromUptwnHe could’ve chosen any route tho. And he chose the route of God. Pretty sure what he’s created is more than just “brand appeal” to him.

[@CAMPAIGNFORTUNE]

love this show

[@garycopeland4073]

Wiwwwww🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@LilRocHDTV]

Dope Interview 🔥🔥🔥

[@Wandile_StudioBeing]

Just Brilliant.

[@mig-bee]

Thank you Jerry!

[@dieserrobi]

I LOVE the references with GOD ❤

[@STRICKENBYTHEMUSE]

Thank God for the messenger that is Jerry Lorenzo

[@boblionheartajisafe3267]

Dope interview

[@Nutshirt]

If only Virgil was still here…

[@itscoolintv]

Greatest fashion designer ever hands down

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Hilarious

[@andrelong1410]

Virgil

[@JA-cu9qf]

You need study fashion before making such an uneducated comment.

[@stacksondeck515]

Ralph Lauren has entered the chay

[@TrapThompson]

bros highest achievement is making skinny jeans layering tees and putting fear of god on a vintage tee cmon

[@papichefitup]

Fear of god is 🔥

[@PatrickGregoryDaniels]

What song is that at 1:06?

[@Complex]

That’s the IDEA GENERATION theme song. A-Trak produced it.

[@enriquenunez4691]

Miss long hair Jerry 🥲

[@opulent1]

Jerry I can't find that particular "Eternal" t-shirts anywhere! 😕

[@BulkMarketing]

Dope brotha.

[@oy3ah2025]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " make the best party. "

[@oy3ah2025]

Do the work - TOM SACHS

[@oy3ah2025]

100 years of Ideas - Virgil

[@40NSTLGCSYN]

Well said Jerry

[@RESTER415]

I really do miss the direction of the previous interviews :(

[@AllanRanga]

inspiring

[@bigah268]

Boss did that!

[@mattlee297]

What shoe is he wearing?

[@basketballlover325]

fog X adidas runner

[@beu2543]

Whoa shit this was great

[@debsdidit326]

so so good

[@bugsjuiceXL]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@gdotdave]

🐐

[@deemurray5711]

legs crossed ahhh designer

[@TAZManiaShow]

💎💎💎

[@elmosoprano2887]

3 o 4 washes. The F and G gone

[@adamalexander6725]

Name of into song anyone please!!

[@KnozD]

"Fighting for a place i can always dream of what this can be". I mean you have to love when pretentious people talk nonsense disguised as a "deep" message, just so they can sell you $20 sweatpants for $1000.

[@storiesfrommars8046]

Smh NIKE fumbled a great brand. I loved the FOG and NIKE collab

[@ivancalara717]

Ye 19:57

[@ronw.simmsjr.362]

Is fear of god still relevant? Serious question.

[@DIFFERENTFOREVER1]

Yes

[@DressForAfrica]

For me it's never been. The silhouettes are too removed from classic fashion, so not for me.

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

It moved past its strongbase, now it's reaping the results.

[@edwardo00]

I'm still rocking stuff from Nike fear of God, og essentials, and 5th I ain't mad 😂

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Same man. Great run. Dunno what happened with adidas?

[@grinduntiludie]

Stop hatin on a nga that’s accomplished & go try to be great

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

I agree. But I think it's mostly constructive criticism. God hasn't called me buy a 1700 jacket. He picked the wrong mo

[@hugocastana2447]

In 10 years you have evolved luxury sweats from skinny leg to wide leg with the same overall look with different color ways. Need to evolve into something other than sweats. Please pivot soon or your Essentials will continue to go on clearance at PacSun and so will Adidas Athletics line.

[@808x86]

Marques Houston and Vic Mensa have a baby.

[@MrJaycas]

Why even try to make a shoe for playing basketball? I wonder why he chose to take that on?

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

His Nike run was great. Don't even know what happened there. His Vans run too. I'm starting to assume He's the issue.

[@MaddNomad1015]

@@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn He and Nike I believe went on record saying they didnt need him anymore, so he left. Adidas wants a high end performance basketball shoe like Jordan but sees it in a collab.

[@ronetheridge7868]

🐍 🐍

[@Kryptiq144]

I'm confused about how someone making a brand to honor God can also work with a person calling themselves yeezus and then I realize Jerry never actually talks about Jesus, so what God is Jerry actually talking about, a lower case god perhaps

[@tonyc5369]

Bingo 🎯

[@NikiAllen]

That’s very interesting thought…..

[@DressForAfrica]

And he's planning parties

[@thomse5430]

God don’t care about fashion😂

[@channel3world]

fix yo attitude. this what you think god what u you to be doing?

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Right on the Money! Not a believer, but I don't sense much Humility from this guy. A headshave proves nothing!

[@kingsdisease8754]

Why did he feel the need to disrespect his dad?

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

Folks typically hate nepotism tendencies

[@PhantomTechnoid]

This dude disrespected the heck out of his pops. Hes trying to promote that feminist mindset, "the woman was the backbone." A woman CAN'T be the backbone even if she's paying the bills

[@DJNovaBlast3000]

🐍🐍🐍🐍

[@sialee5926]

What’s so special about his Tshirts

[@Kryptiq144]

I can accept and love a black female President but not Kamala, she seems Indian to me anyway

[@Moe_Lester_fromUptwn]

You don't have to. And the other guy's a better alternative?

[@charlesc.1659]

Second

[@JaylonRoss-w9b]

Kamala not black

[@ferdusmohamad1438]

Third

[@edjokpaprosper4663]

Sixth