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Jérôme LaMaar was born and raised in the Bronx, New York under the astrological sign of GEMINI. He is the Fifth Generation of New Yorkers in his family. He is of Afro-Portuguese, Cuban and Ethiopian heritage. His career began at age 15 as an intern for Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simons in 2001. At age 18, he was appointed the Senior Designer/ Creative Brand Coordinator for the brand. Overseeing the creative direction of the company under Kimora Lee Simmons. This same year Jerome began to create jewelry for friends as a hobby. After enrolling at Brown University to study Physics Jérôme switched gears to attend FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) to study Fashion Design and Fabric Styling BFA, and left his final year to pursue his career. At 20, Jerome was commissioned by June Ambrose to design all of the costumes for Mariah Carey's 2006 Adventure's of Mimi world Tour. At 23, he left Phat Fashions to apprentice for couture house Chado Ralph Rucci, Later that year, he was recruited as a trend forecaster for Promostyl Paris. At 26, LaMaar moved to Japan as a consultant for 1 year for various brands. This year he began taking silversmith courses to improve his jewelry making skills but felt it was a small part of a bigger picture.As a trend forecaster for over 7 years, Jérôme became highly sought after by brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski, Givaudan, Moussy Japan, Calvin Klein, Uniqlo, Essie, Maybelline, Vans, Victoria's Secret, GAP, Microsoft, Mattel, Under Armor, New Balance and Nike.
5:31 has been worn by Beyonce several times, Mrs. Tina Knowles- Lawson, Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Justine Skye, Hailey Baldwin, Rita Ora and more.
Jerome is currently a Samsung Influencer , Birkenstock and Lincoln U.A.E brand Ambassador.
April 2016, Jerome opened the first boutique of it's kind in the South Bronx, named 9J. The home of South Bronx Luxe and the location where 5:31 JEROME and several emerging brands are sold. Creating a platform for the next generation of creative thinkers.
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