Tremaine Emory
Tremaine Emory | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jamaica, Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Creative consultant, designer |
| Known for | Founder of Denim Tears; former creative director at Supreme |
Tremaine Emory is a prominent American creative consultant and designer, recognized as the founder of the apparel brand Denim Tears and formerly holding the position of creative director at Supreme.
Throughout his career, Emory has offered his expertise to various publications such as The Face and collaborated with renowned brands like Stüssy, Off-White, and YEEZY. His partnerships extend to notable artists and influencers across art, music, and fashion, including Frank Ocean, André 3000, Virgil Abloh, Tom Sachs, Theaster Gates, and Hank Willis Thomas.
Personal life
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Emory was raised in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York. He experienced the loss of his mother, Sheralyn Emory, in 2015. His father dedicated 38 years to working as a CBS news cameraman following service in the military. In late 2023, Emory was admitted to hospital due to a lower aorta aneurysm, receiving treatment from October through December.
Career
Emory relocated to London in 2010 to join Marc Jacobs. Between 2016 and 2018, he took on roles as creative consultant and brand director for Kanye West. Before establishing Denim Tears, he held the position of art and brand director-at-large at Stüssy.
In February 2022, he became Supreme's inaugural creative director but stepped down in August 2023 amid conflicts with Supreme's founder Jebbia, specifically citing communication challenges and the halting of a collaboration involving Arthur Jafa.
Together with business partner Acyde, Emory co-established "No Vacancy Inn," a diverse creative collective that encompasses radio programming, DJ performances, event series, and pop-up retail experiences.
Denim Tears was introduced by Emory in 2019. The brand’s debut collection commemorated the 400th anniversary of slavery by addressing the intertwined history of cotton cultivation and slavery in America through designs that incorporate floral wreath motifs on denim jeans, hoodies, and sweatshirts.