BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In a bold and deeply resonant fashion moment, Fear of God and Barriers Worldwide have joined forces with the Malcolm X Estate to launch a limited-edition capsule collection commemorating what would have been the legendary activist’s 100th birthday. Far more than a stylish drop, the collaboration serves as a powerful tribute to the life, legacy, and philosophy of Malcolm X–a revolutionary whose teachings on Black empowerment, resistance, and self-determination still ring louder than ever today.
The collaboration brings together three powerful forces: Fear of God, the Los Angeles-based luxury brand founded by Jerry Lorenzo, known for its elegant fusion of spirituality and American street culture; Barriers Worldwide, a purpose-driven streetwear label from New York that educates through fashion by spotlighting Black historical figures; and the Malcolm X Estate, led by his family and aligned with The Shabazz Center in Harlem–a cultural institution committed to preserving and advancing Malcolm X’s legacy.
The capsule, which is now available exclusively through Fear of God and Barriers, channels the spirit of Malcolm X into wearable art. With every stitch and screen print, the collection tells a story, one rooted in struggle, identity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Among its highlights are hand-printed pieces like the “Out Of Many, One” hoodie and tee, the “American Luxury” garments, and a standout vintage-textured “X” snapback. Each item, crafted in the USA from premium cotton and raw-edged detailing, reflects the kind of intentionality that goes beyond aesthetic appeal. The “X” motif–a symbol of resistance and transformation–is prominently reimagined throughout the collection, evoking Malcolm’s bold reclamation of his identity and refusal to be defined by the names and narratives imposed on him by colonial history.
This collaboration is more than a design endeavor; it’s an intersection of culture, spirituality, and political expression. At the heart of the project is a mission to reintroduce Malcolm X’s teachings to a new generation, using fashion as a conduit for education and reflection. Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo, known for his seamless fusion of spirituality and streetwear, leads the charge with a nuanced take on modern American luxury. Meanwhile, Barriers–founded by Steven Barter–continues its mission of spotlighting historical Black figures and underrepresented stories. By aligning with the Malcolm X Estate and receiving the blessing of his daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, the project carries both historical weight and personal significance. The campaign visuals reinforce this sentiment: a minimalist, grayscale aesthetic that evokes both reverence and resilience, calling back to the Black liberation era of the 1960s while planting itself firmly in today’s fashion-forward landscape.
What sets this capsule apart from the many heritage collaborations in the fashion space is its philanthropic impact. All proceeds are directed to The Shabazz Center–a cultural institution housed in Harlem’s historic Audubon Ballroom, where Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965. Today, the Center stands as a beacon of his and Dr. Betty Shabazz’s enduring legacies, providing educational programs, exhibitions, and community engagement that align with the values embedded in the Fear of God x Barriers collaboration.
As fast fashion floods the market with fleeting trends, this capsule drop feels like an anomaly, a moment where clothing becomes a tool for storytelling, remembrance, and resistance. From the hand-printed cotton to the philosophical underpinnings, every element of the collection speaks to the magnitude of Malcolm X’s influence. It’s a reminder that the fight for justice is as urgent now as it was in 1965 and that legacy can live on, not only in books and speeches, but stitched into the very fabric we wear.
This isn’t just fashion. It’s a statement. It’s history. It’s Malcolm.
