In the ever-evolving world of fashion collaborations, Jerry Lorenzo, the creative force behind Fear of God, is putting rumours to rest about his partnership with Adidas. Despite whispers of an impending end, Lorenzo insists his work with Adidas and the Fear of God Athletics sub-label is still very much alive.
Earlier this week, fashion analyst and Snobette co-founder Lois Sakany published a story on Substack claiming that the Fear of God x Adidas collaboration might be nearing its conclusion. “No official announcement yet, but word on the street is that Adidas will not renew its contract with Jerry Lorenzo and Fear of God Athletics when it comes to an end this year,” Sakany wrote. She noted that the brand is currently gearing up for Fear of God Athletics Drop 4, which she suggested might be one of the last.
When Complex reached out to Lorenzo for his take, he was taken aback by the rumours but affirmed that the collaboration is still producing new designs. “With Adidas, we have the Fear of God II coming at the end of this year,” Lorenzo told Complex on Tuesday. “The III hits Holiday ’25. After that, the future will be determined by the promise fulfilled by these next two performance shoes.”
Lorenzo reflected on the evolution of his role at Adidas. When the collaboration was first announced in December 2020, he was slated to become the new head of creative for Adidas Basketball. However, plans shifted, delaying the first drop of Fear of God Athletics until November 2023. The initial release was met with mixed reviews, as the partnership started with broad ambitions that took time to refine.
“The partnership started off with too many ambitions outside of the purity of creating a single product,” Lorenzo explained. “Now for the final year and a half, the focus is simply there.”
Adidas, while not explicitly confirming the status of the contract, indicated ongoing collaboration. “While we don’t comment on the details of our contracts, we can confirm we are already working on exciting plans for 2025 together,” the company told Complex.
Lorenzo is confident that the upcoming Fear of God Athletics sneakers will finally realize his vision for performance basketball footwear. His first Adidas basketball shoe, the Fear of God Athletics 1, released last year, leaned more towards lifestyle than intended. However, Lorenzo promises the next iterations will deliver true performance.
“In my mind, the [Adidas Fear of God Athletics] II is our first true uncompromised basketball shoe,” Lorenzo stated. “The III, poetically, will be the best version of the promise dated back to December 2020.”
Lorenzo even hinted at a playful nod to his past, suggesting he might name the Fear of God III the “Question 2,” referencing his iconic Allen Iverson-inspired design for Nike.
While Sakany’s claims about the partnership’s potential end remain unconfirmed, Lorenzo’s comments suggest that the Fear of God and Adidas collaboration is not winding down just yet. “As the future of the relationship is not clear,” Lorenzo said, “either way it goes, both Adidas and Fear of God Athletics will be in a better place after the III hits.”
Main Image: The Wall Street Journal