Posted by By MJ on November 15th, 2007

Crazy Robertson: Homeless Inspired

At first glance, Crazy Robertson seems like a lot of other streetwear companies. They use colorful eighties-inspired graphics, catchy slogans, and they’ve got a page up on myspace.

But as you take a closer look at their wares you might start to question what, exactly, they’re selling. The name of the company, Crazy Robertson, comes from a homeless man in West LA. He’s been rollerskating in the neighborhood for decades, and is something of a local celebrity. He also lives with schizophrenia, though the clothing line’s creators insist that he is not being taken advantage of in any way (he receives 5% of the line’s profits, according to The Wall Street Journal).

Whatever business arrangement may be in place with the man who inspired the Crazy Robertson line, it’s definitely a loaded issue. Shirts with the image of a homeless man (often paired with the slogan “no money, no problems”) are on sale at trendy haunts like Kitson, where they sell for big bucks (shirts are $33, hoodies are $75).

As for John Wesley Jermyn, the real Crazy Robertson, he prefers to avoid money. Thus far, most of his cut of the profits has been paid in food, liquor and art supplies.

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