Fear of God Honors Malcolm X's 100th Birthday with Exclusive Capsule
If you’ve glanced at social media lately, you might’ve noticed NBA stars like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving sporting gear stamped with a bold ‘X’. There’s a story behind those looks—it’s not just basketball bravado or high-end streetwear. Fear of God, the cult-favorite luxury label run by Jerry Lorenzo, just dropped a headline-grabbing capsule collection marking what would be Malcolm X's 100th birthday. It’s a mix of history, art, and activism, all stitched together in hoodies, tees, and snapbacks.
This isn’t your typical brand collab. Fear of God teamed up with Barriers Worldwide—a brand known for weaving educational messages into their drops—and worked directly with the Malcolm X Estate. The heart of the collection? That unmistakable ‘X’. This wasn’t picked at random; the symbol runs deep, reflecting Malcolm’s legacy as a force of resistance and empowerment. They dug into the archives, drawing on images, writings, and artifacts tied to Malcolm’s journey from street hustler to world-renowned human rights activist.
Beyond Fashion: Proceeds Fuel Social Change
Fans will recognize not just Lorenzo’s signature clean, understated silhouettes, but also fresh graphics and storytelling inspired by Black history and the civil rights movement. These aren’t just clothes—they’re reminders to take pride, to question, and to remember the past. The Vintage ‘Fear Is Gone’ Hoodie, for example, is meant to echo the boldness Malcolm was known for. There’s also the ‘Eternal Fleece’ Zip Hoodie, serving up a nod to timeless resilience. Prices start at $95 for accessories like the Printed ‘X’ Snapback, climbing up to $1,695 for outerwear, so yes, luxury comes at a cost, but so does real impact.
If you’re wondering where the money’s going, here’s the kicker: every dime from the sale goes straight to the Shabazz Foundation. That’s the charity founded in honor of Malcolm X and his wife Dr. Betty Shabazz. Their mission? To keep investing in education and community programs in underserved areas—think scholarships, youth workshops, entrepreneurial support, and cultural empowerment projects aimed at the next generation of changemakers. The message is clear: buying a hoodie does more than fill your closet; it fuels real-world change.
Barriers Worldwide’s signature approach—using fashion and design as an educational tool—lines up perfectly with Fear of God’s habit of elevating stories and spiritual narratives. Together, this trio of brand, foundation, and estate spun something more powerful than a lookbook. They’ve made history wear-ready, blending luxury with meaning.
The collection isn’t expected to stay in stock long—seldom does when LeBron is an early adopter. For a moment, fashion is doing what it does best: making us look, think, and hopefully, act.
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