FAMU grad Jerry Lorenzo Manuel collaborates with Nike to produce high-end sneakers & apparel

                                   FAMU grad Jerry Lorenzo, founder, Fear of God clothing/sneaker
                                   label, wearing shoes from his upcoming collaboration with Nike.

Jerry Lorenzo Manuel, the 43-year-old, Founder/CEO of the high-end streetwear fashion label Fear of God is doing his second collaboration with the iconic, global, sportswear brand Nike. Manuel, who graduated from FAMU in the 90s played on the Rattler baseball team.   He is the son of former MLB player, coach, and manager Jerry Manuel.

Jerry Lorenzo Manuel, the 43-year-old, Founder/CEO of the high-end streetwear fashion label Fear of God is doing his second collaboration with the iconic, global, sportswear brand Nike. Manuel, who graduated from FAMU in the 90s played on the Rattler baseball team.   He is the son of former MLB player, coach, and manager Jerry Manuel.

Since creating his L.A.-based label in 2012, he has earned the approval of Kanye West, Rihanna, and Travis Scott—also created custom looks for Justin Bieber’s 2016 Purpose tour.

Although he had no fashion training, Manuel broke into fashion by asking a buddy [luxury sneaker designer] Jon Buscemi whether he had time to work with him and show him some the ropes. Buscemi said, “I don’t, but here’s the developer that you need to talk to.” 

“That was the assist of a lifetime. I met with the developer in Italy with a sketch of the shoe I wanted to make. A year and a half later, we had a shoe on the market," said Manuel.

The name of Manuel’s brand is not meant to be ironic, but simply a reflection of his Christian faith.

In introducing his first collaboration with Nike, in 2018, Manuel shouted out FAMU and FAMU Athletics by showing an orange and green pair of sneakers.  He wrote on his IG page, "While there are 20 to 30 more colorways that haven’t been revealed, I am showing an orange and green pair of sneakers to pay homage to my alma mater, Florida A&M University.  He added that he wanted to make FAMU what Michigan and the Fab 5 were to him when he was in college, or what Oregon is to kids today."

The Fear of God x Nike Airs SS19 collection will be available in select stores on April 27.