Lifted Research Group, commonly known as LRG, is an American, Orange County, California based clothing brand headed by Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright. 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. Entrepreneur magazine ranked the company at #5 on its 2007 Hot 500 list of fastest-growing companies.
History
Lifted Research Group was founded in 1999 by Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright. Wright brought extensive experience in the streetwear industry to LRG, having worked with such companies as Quiksilver, O'Neill, and Katin during an eight-year span. 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. This capital was used to finance an initial product run that sold out during their first day at the Action Sports Retailer Expo in San Diego, California. The company became profitable by 2002, and made its first $1 million in 2000. In late 2005, L-R-G announced their new women's clothing line, called Luxirie, which targets the 18- to 30-year-old women's group. 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 fall 2006. LRG has since launched their products in other countries, as well as hosting an international skate team. Rider Marek Zaprazny has been a star in their international team. Also in fall 2006, wireless providerT-Mobile launched a limited editionSidekick III designed by LRG. It was equipped with the same technical features as the Sidekick III and sported a green-on-green theme that made liberal use of L-R-G's logo. After a production run of 10,000 units, T-Mobile's website reported that it was sold out. On May 31, 2011, Jonas Bevacqua was found dead of natural causes, aged 33.
