This week the fashion world has been shocked by the death of Virgil Abloh, CEO of Off-White, Louis Vuitton Lead men's designer, and designed for IKEA, Champion, Warby Parker, Jimmy Choo, Levis, Timberland, NIKE, and more. He passed away on November 28, 2021, at the age of 41.
In 2002, after Virgil completed his master’s degree in architecture, he completed his master’s degree in architecture but switched his profession to fashion. He became creative consultant to Kanye West for the rest of his life. This is how he got introduced to the fashion world. Abloh launches his first brand, Pyrex Vision, in New York. He purchased deadstock Ralph Lauren flannel shirts for $40 each, and screen printed them with the word Pyrex and the number 23, an homage to his childhood hero, Michael Jordan. They sell for $550 each.
He shuts down Pyrex and launches Off-white, one of the most popular streetwear brands in history. We know Off-white from the most iconic items like the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 ‘The Ten’, Off-White x MoMa x Nike Air Force 1, Off-White x Air Jordan IV, the White Hoodies and the famous Off-white Belt.
Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,” believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.
We will be honoring Virgil Abloh, by including items he has personally designed in Drop Week 131 this Saturday.
