Sometimes things are so strange, you just can’t make them up.  Take the newest article I pulled from the Wall Street Journal, which tells of one John Wesley Jermyn, a 56 year old homeless man who has inspired three young guys to create a clothing line around his lifestyle. 

According to the article,  Jermyn has been a fixture in West Los Angeles for more than 20 years, homeless since the mid 1980’s, and people refer to him as either “Crazy Robertson” or ”The Robertson Dancer” because he’s always seen in a certain area on Robertson Boulevard which has reportedly become a trendy shopping zone where many a celeb and tourist can frequently be seen. Although not much is truly known about Jermyn, locals whisper rumors that he’s really a millionaire in poor man’s clothing (I suppose anything is possible, but I think it’s doubtful that he’s got a wad of bills stashed and saved for a rainy day).

Introduced in October by three young 23 year olds, Jermyn now has his very own clothing label called ”The Crazy Robertson.” The line features sweatshirts and T-shirts, which can actually be found at trendy Kitson.  According to the WSJ, the apparel features images of Jermyn – including a $98.00 hoodie - which features a dancing Jermyn and the tag line, ”No Money, No Problems.” At the Kitson on Robertson, the shirts are reportedly being sold right next to $290.00 “Victoria Beckham” jeans and $50.00 baby shoes designed by Gwen Stefani and are flying off the shelves so fast the store can barely keep up with demand.

There’s also an official MySpace page (isn’t there a Myspace page for just about everything and everyone these days?) which does double duty has both a page for Jermyn and an ad for the clothing brand and nightclub-promotion venture, which is also named, ”The Crazy Robertson.”  The WSJ says the three young men spent months befriending Jermyn and eventually gained his approval for the venture.  Reportedly, they also consult him on design decisions. 

Earlier this year, Jermyn agreed to 5% of the net profits, according to a copy of the contract which was viewed by The Wall Street Journal.  They say he signed the contract without speaking to an attorney or any family members. They also report that Jermyn doesn’t accept a lot of cash and instead, likes to be paid in liquor, food, and supplies for his art projects. 

Beverly Jermyn, who is Mr. Jermyn’s sister, and who lives near the alley where her brother makes his home, says he suffers from schizophrenia and refuses to take his medication. She says the clothing line and it’s founders are exploiting her brother’s condition: 

“I think these guys saw an opportunity and they took it.  I am not happy with the arrangement.”