“Life is so short you can't waste even a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do versus knowing what you can do."
Virgil Abloh's name has become synonymous with the world of fashion, art, and design. Known for his visionary approach to design, Abloh's impact on the industry cannot be understated. From his groundbreaking work with the luxury streetwear brand Off-White to his role as creative director of Louis Vuitton's menswear, Abloh has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. In this article, we'll explore the legacy of Virgil Abloh and how his influence will continue to shape the industry for years to come. Abloh's career began as a protégé of Kanye West, where he worked as a creative director and art director for Wests agency, DONDA. From there, Abloh went on to create his own brand, Off-White, which quickly gained a cult following among fashion insiders and celebrities alike. His use of industrial materials, graphic designs, and bold typography set his designs apart from the rest of the fashion world, and his innovative approach to branding helped to redefine the concept of luxury fashion. But Abloh's influence extended far beyond just the world of fashion. As an artist, designer, and architect, Abloh worked with a wide range of collaborators, from Nike to Ikea. He designed furniture, created art installations, and even created a sneaker collection inspired by the iconic designs of Mies van der Rohe.
Virgil Abloh x IKEA collection
Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 1 UNC
A creative powerhouse Virgil's influence also extended beyond the design world to popular culture. He was prolific in the music scene having worked with a range of musicians, including Ye, Jay-Z, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert, and many more. His ability to straddle the worlds of fashion, music, and art helped to make him a cultural icon, and his work has inspired a generation of designers and creatives.
Virgil with ASAP Rocky at Virgil's first Louis Vuitton show
However, Virgil's greatest legacy may be his role in championing diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. As one of the few black designers in the high-fashion world, Abloh was a vocal advocate for greater representation and visibility for underrepresented communities and creatives, setting up funds and scholarships for black students in fashion as well as his mentoring emerging talent like Samuel Ross ( A-Cold-Wall* ) and others helped bring a new wave of creatives to the public zeitgeist. His work with Louis Vuitton was marked by a commitment to showcasing the diversity of the black experience, and his designs have been celebrated for their ability to capture the essence of black culture. It is clear Virgil was much more concerned about altering the landscape of fashion as a whole than simply being content with a seat at the table, he quite literally made a free step-by-step guide on how to start your own brand and in typical Virgil fashion named it FREE-GAME .
From his innovative designs to his commitment to diversity and inclusion, Abloh has had a profound impact on the world of fashion and beyond. As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that Virgl's influence will be felt for generations to come.