Confirmed: Tremaine Emory To Depart Supreme
News on this was first published February 16, 2023.
Update August 31, 2023: It's been confirmed that Tremaine Emory will depart as Supreme's creative director, just one day after rumours surfaced. The news comes from , who claim to have seen Emory's resignation letter to the streetwear giant.
Emory has stated that his reason for leaving is systematic racism, alleging that there was a 'cancellation' of a collaboration between Supreme and Black American artist Arthur Jafa – and according to Emory – without reason. He went on to state 'This caused me a great amount of distress as well as the belief that systematic racism was at play within the structure of Supreme'.
Supreme also offered a statement to BoF, saying 'While we take these concerns seriously, we strongly disagree with Tremaine’s characterisation of our company and the handling of the Arthur Jafa project, which has not been cancelled. This was the first time in 30 years where the company brought in a creative director. We are disappointed it did not work out with Tremaine and wish him the best of luck going forward.'
At the time of writing, Tremaine is yet to comment on his resignation.
Update August 30, 2023: According to sources close to , Tremaine Emory has left his role as Supreme creative director. The designer took on the role at Supreme in February 2022. Per Complex, reasons for the alleged departure are currently unknown.
News has just emerged that have a new creative director in Denim Tears founder Tremaine Emory. This marks the most significant appointment to the hallowed streetwear brand since its in late 2020.
As reported by , Emory started his new role this week, working closely alongside the Supreme design team and, most importantly, company founder James Jebbia, who has stayed on following the corporate takeover.
Emory is well-experienced to head up Supreme, with his own Denim Tears label mastering common milestones including building a hyped brand with a unique look and loyal following, plus major collaborations with the likes of Levi’s, and . Given this CV, he should be right at home in his new position. He will continue running Denim Tears alongside Supreme, evoking parallels to late fashion compatriot Virgil Abloh who helmed Louis Vuitton and his own Off-White label concurrently.
Supreme have proven to be a formative company for many of its alumni, who have gone on to establish their own brands. Geoff Heath and Augie Galan were early designers who went on to start Acapulco Gold during streetwear's 2000s golden era. Brendon Babenzien was the creative and design director of the brand for over a decade before focussing on Noah; Angelo Baque spent a similar period as brand director then founded Awake NY – also tapping Emory for his . For Emory, the possibilities seem boundless.
Congratulations Tremaine Emory!
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