The Denim Tears Founder Resigns After Two Seasons as Creative Director
Tremaine Emory, the former creative director of Supreme, has officially left the streetwear giant. His departure comes after allegations of systematic racism within the company's structure.
Emory, who was Supreme's first-ever creative director, had been in the role for about a year and a half. According to reports, his decision to leave was triggered by the cancellation of a collaboration with the renowned Black American artist Arthur Jafa. Emory alleged that senior management did not provide clear communication or full visibility into the reasons behind the collaboration's cancellation, leading him to believe that systematic racism was a factor.
Supreme has refuted the claim that the Arthur Jafa collaboration was canceled, stating that it has not been canceled but has not yet been released.
In an official statement, Supreme expressed its disappointment that Emory's tenure did not work out and emphasized its strong disagreement with his characterization of the company. Supreme noted that Tremaine Emory's appointment as creative director was the first time in the brand's 30-year history that it had brought in a creative director.
Emory's departure from Supreme comes during a period of declining sales for the brand. In March 2023, the company reported revenues of $523.1 million USD for the year, down from $561.5 million USD the previous year.
Tremaine Emory, known for his work with Denim Tears, has yet to make an official statement about his departure from Supreme.
