Form Meets Function in Fear of God's Inaugural Athletics Line

Three years is not that long of a time. But in the world of fashion, where collections move at such a hyper pace, it feels like eons ago. When Jerry Lorenzo suddenly announced at the end of 2020 that he’d form a partnership with

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Photographed by artist Nadav Kander, the campaign carried biblical undertones, with images made to resemble Jesus Christ and an accompanying film, where a series of models are shown walking on water towards three jagged mountains in the shape of The Three Stripes. “The house is built to mirror the very nature and design of the highest being,” Lorenzo said in press release, “where there is both unity and diversity in the trinity.” While he doesn’t force his faith on others, Lorenzo has never been shy to pay homage to his faith through his sartorial offerings. Athletics, for him, completes the brand architecture he set out to build with Fear of God and ESSENTIALS, where there is a subtle nod to the Christian Trinity of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. “I wanted our brand to be complete in and of itself,” Lorenzo tells us.

So how did Athletics measure up? Aside from what is to be expected — minimal branding, muted color palettes and generally oversized silhouettes — the inaugural collection wasn’t necessarily revolutionary, but did not disappoint either. The line included classic sportswear staples, such as zip-up jackets, drill tops and sweatpants with tonal three stripes arching over the shoulders and leg seams. Standout pieces include a sleeveless poncho with Three Stripes at the chest, which was inspired by the gym towels that Mike Tyson would wear on his way to wreak havoc, along with a creamy Athletics 86 Lo sneaker made with an all suede upper. While the collection is undoubtedly catered for a lifestyle audience, the fabrics and the intention behind it is equally performance-driven. 1 of 17

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“How can you meet aesthetics and sophistication with performance?” asks Lorenzo. “I think that’s the intention of the brand: was for people to perform and the be the best versions of themselves. And for the individual to walk into the room to enhance who they are.” By diving into familiar reference points, namely the aesthetic sensibilities of the ’90s and early ’00s, Lorenzo forged a bridge between past and present. He pointed out that select T-shirts from the collection drew from ‘90s soccer silhouettes, an inspiration born of his belief that soccer legend David Beckham was adidas’ answer — sartorially and sportingly — to Michael Jordan.”

Following in his dad’s footsteps, Lorenzo also looks to use Athletics as a platform to help underprivileged communities. Like his father, whose foundation has helped teach the game of baseball to inner-city youth over the past 10 years, “my heart’s intention,” says Lorenzo, is “to take the best product and give it to the kids that are overlooked, not to the biggest basketball star. How am I giving that dream to someone that maybe can’t access? To me, that’s even more fulfilling. Continuing the work my dad has started is what I want to do with Athletics.”

For those in Los Angeles, “The Athletics Atmosphere” is on view until December 3 from 11am to 6pm PT. Athletics will officially launches on December 3 online at Fear of God and adidas’ CONFIRMED, as well select adidas DTC stores on December 6.
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