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Lifted Research Group, commonly known as LRG, is an American clothing brand headed by Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright and based in Orange County, California. LRG produces clothing and accessories and also has been known to develop a broad range of products consisting of electronic accessories, extreme vehicles, and outdoor equipment including sporting goods and more. The company is also involved in the promotion of underground recording artists and sponsors a skateboarding team.
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| Industry | Apparel |
|---|---|
| Founded | Orange County, California (1999) |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Website | l-r-g |
Entrepreneur magazine ranked the company at #5 on its 2007 Hot 500 list of fastest-growing companies.[1]
History
editLifted Research Group was founded in 1999 by Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright.[2] Wright brought extensive experience in the streetwear industry to LRG, having worked with such companies as Quiksilver, O'Neill, and Katin during eight years.[3] He also contributed the resources to create the company's initial samples and patterns. Bevacqua also raised the initial start-up capital from friends of his adopted father, who worked in the fashion industry.[citation needed] This capital was used to finance an initial product run that sold out on their first day at the Action Sports Retailer Expo in San Diego, California.[citation needed] The company made its first $1 million in 2000, and the company became profitable by 2002.[4]
In late 2005, LRG announced their new women's clothing line named Luxirie, which targets women aged 18 to 30 years old.[5] Designs from the label cover six themes, ranging from Western to military, and include signature items such as crystal-covered jeans. The label launched in the United States and Canada in the fall of 2006. LRG has since launched its products in other countries, as well as hosting an international skate team. Rider Marek Zaprazny has been a star in their international team.[6] In the fall of 2006, wireless provider T-Mobile launched a limited edition Sidekick III designed by LRG. It featured a green-on-green theme that made liberal use of LRG's logo. After a production run of 10,000 units, T-Mobile's website reported that it was sold out.[7]
On May 31, 2011, Jonas Bevacqua was found dead of natural causes, aged 33.[8]
LRG began to renew its designs by hiring Nick Bower in 2017. In 2018, LRG collaborated with artists Jon Z, Chip The Ripper, Rvssian and Jhay Cortez among others. In 2019, LRG partnered with Apple Music as an official playlist curator.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Hot 500 Company Listing" (PDF). Entrepreneur Magazine. Retrieved 2012-08-30.
- ^ "LRG Clothing Brand Information". SoJones. Archived from the original on 2008-09-22. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
- ^ Erwin, Joey. "No Room for Lethargy at LRG; Lifted Research Group Passionately Promotes the Underground Skate Culture". Daily News Record. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
- ^ "Lifted Research Group Company Information". Entrepreneur. Retrieved August 12, 2007.
- ^ Tran, Khanh T.L. (2005-11-02). "L-R-G to Enter Women's Urban Market with Luxirie". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
- ^ "LRG - MAREK ZAPRAZNY In Barcelona". Archived from the original on 2016-12-20.
- ^ "T-Mobile Sidekick 3 phone details". T-Mobile. Retrieved 2007-08-12.
- ^ Esquivel, Paloma (June 1, 2011). "Fashion designer Jonas Bevacqua, 33, found dead in Laguna Beach home". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
- ^ "LRG Becomes Apple Music Curator". Bloomberg.com. 2019-05-13. Retrieved 2021-04-09.