Virgil Abloh and OFF-WHITE: The beginning of an empire

Virgil Abloh Currently attracting attention from the grave not only by “The Ten” collection cooperate with Nike but he is the name that every fashion brand today, from high fashion to streetwear, wants to work with. Founder of OFF-WHITE is one of the most respected creators in today’s frivolous fashion and, especially, the starting point of Virgil barely resembling those in his position now. The success he has today is a claim of the title New Generation Designers but EACHSHOES given. Cooperation with famous retailers such as Barneys until Collette together contribute to the value of the items OFF-WHITE Soaring makes a brand like high fashion Louis Vuitton must also keep an eye on. So Virgil How have you been able to achieve today’s success?

Born and raised in Chicago under the caring hands of a couple from Ghana, Virgil Since childhood, it has been influenced by massive architectural works with diverse cultures in the 3rd largest city in America. However, he is quite reserved on personal matters, so information is rarely disclosed. One of the rare word information Virgil He has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from the school Wincosin University- Madison and then a master’s degree in residential architecture Illinouis Institute of Technology. Besides, he was also married in 2009 and his 3-year-old daughter is Virgil’s greatest inspiration. His starting point is a rather special detail that reminds me of another genius. Tinker Hatfield, the witch’s Nike, who used to have a bachelor’s degree in architecture at the school Oregon Architecture University. Virgil’s designs have always been influenced by Rem Koolhaas, A famous architect from the Netherlands who has worked with Prada to set up their spectacular runway shops and floors.

A design by Rem Koolhass for the Prada Foundation in Milan

In addition to his passion for architecture and design activities, Virgil is also known by young people as a DJ under the name Flat White. He has been a DJ since his ambitious teenage days, attending high school and college parties to bring a lively atmosphere to his songs. Benji B, A-Trak good Gilles Peterson which he rewrote as the original inspiration. During high school, A-Trak was Virgil’s biggest idol, then he started listening to Gilles Peterson and Benji B. He even listened to Benji B’s music for 12 years, once a week. “They are a great inspiration as well as a part of my life.” Virgil told Billboard like that in an interview.

Virgil’s career has always been associated with master hype creation Kanye West Although the reason why they knew each other in the early days remains a mystery. Kanye and Virgil’s working relationship officially started in 2003 and Virgil had to “cut off” a session at the University to meet with Kanye’s manager to discuss becoming a member of the creative team. of the Yeezy. As a consultant and designer, they have achieved a lot of success as the album cover image Watch The Throne (designed by Virgil and Ricardo Tisci) has been nominated for the award Best Album Cover at the tournament Grammy. Not only that, the majority of the show’s stage Yeezus Tour or the lighting system at Kanye’s recent concerts has Abloh’s magic. In addition, 2 collections came from Yeezy Season there was also Virgil’s intervention. Moreover, Kanye and Virgil also worked together to develop a brand called Pastelle, Although they have not officially released any products but years ago collete Some of the brand’s products are sold.

Cover Album “Watch The Throne”

However, having a talented friend like Kanye also brought a lot of obstacles to Virgil’s personal development when there was little information about him during this period. This is the main reason why it is hindering the search for Virgil’s data before this time Pyrex Vision appear.

Pyrex Vision (2012) is an important milestone in his design life. Brand is a combination of a designer Shayne Oliver, the founder of HOOD BY AIR (HBA) and now is “designer in residence” of Helmut Lang. Their designs are all magnetic t-shirts Champion or even the word flannel rugby Ralph Laurent, they are then printed with the number 23 (the symbol’s number Michael Jordan) with Pyrex on the back, and it sells for 10 times the original amount. However, Virgil has also spoken out about this when Pyrex is just his brand testing the market. Perhaps for that reason, Pyrex Vision only existed for only 1 year. And that was when his life turned a new page.

In 2013, with clearer directions for personal branding, Virgil Abloh joined hands with New Guard Group come from Italy to be officially launched OFF-WHITE. This project continues what Pyrex did, but only after that they received popularity from streetwear enthusiasts and OFF-WHITE products are sold at floating retailers. the most famous sound on earth. When asked about the name OFF-WHITE at a presentation, Virgil said, ‘I’m a black kid and I want to confirm to white kids that I am something in between White colors. – Black so the name OFF-WHITE was created based on the idea that Gray is not symbolic and related to Black and White ”. As for the famous diagonal striped symbol, it is inspired by the “cross-road” symbols that we can see in any country, the symbol that according to Virgil: is something that can communicate with anyone in the world. even though they don’t use the same language ”. This image is OFF-WHITE’s unique motif, similar to the monogram’s motifs Louis Vuitton or the beautiful colors of Gucci.

It seems that this new start will receive a lot of support, but there are many opinions that the items from OFF-WHITE are just recycled from the ruins of the previous project because of similarities to from products. Although not really disruptive in design in the early days with cross-pattern prints, these symbols have become a distinctive feature that takes OFF-WHITE to a new level in the future. And this transformation really only happens when Virgil Abloh take part in a talent contest for young designers of the corporation LVMHThe corporation holds many of the largest and most expensive brands on the planet. Virgil approaches the fashion world with a whole new mindset that is conveyed throughout all of his collections: “Japanese quality, New York’s soul, and perfected by hand. of the Italian “artisans”.

Virgil Abloh Still constantly improving and refreshing their designs while improving the shortcomings they still have. His acumen has helped him rise higher as a designer, and success also smiled when Virgil was selected and became the last 5 in the prestigious competition of LVMH with a series of disruptive collections after that, in addition he is also on the top 500 list of influential people in the fashion industry of Business Of Fashion.

Virgil Abloh also has an admiration for the world’s leading streetwear brand Supreme. Recognizing the lack of a young design class in the combination of streetwear and high-end fashion, Virgil stood out and pioneered the combination through her first collection.

Virgil with the famous Supreme logo box

In a period of five years, from someone who was always under the shadow of Kanye West, Virgil Abloh has grown to become one of the most famous fashion designers today. His products are always on the shelves of the most famous stores and OFF-WHITE, still considered a “kid” in the fashion industry, has appeared in cities such as Paris and Florence with its own values, it has made a difference compared with the majority of streetwear brands are “disoriented” nowadays.

Pictures from Paris FW16

As for the recent Nike partnership it’s an extremely valuable collab, by any measure. But there are a few factors that make Virgil’s imprints so dramatic. First, we need to note that the breakup between Kanye and Nike stems from the refusal of the sportswear giant to grant Yeezy creative freedom. And with this latest partnership, Abloh has accomplished something Kanye was unable to do when Kanye used to do with Nike – applying her own identities and identities to shoes. logo of Nike, using their design as the basis for their own creations.

Pictures from the premiere of “The Ten” collection

The reason Virgil received The Swoosh’s nod in creative freedom was because he was a master at modern fashion marketing. He appeared at a time when fashion designers were beginning to receive acclaim from the public as music stars (at least in the mainstream music market today) for their designs. their. He understands that social media today has made consumers increasingly view fashion brands and designers as one and he is giving an invitation to those “behind” to cooperate with him on upcoming projects.

As we have seen the designs come from the Hedi Slimane while in position Saint Laurent good Alessandro Michele in Gucci good Demna Gvasalia in Belenciaga We’re in the golden age of re-inventing famous fashion brands in history. A design coming from a reputable brand must ensure elegantly balanced standards and must have contemporary features as well as the designer’s personal grace mark in it.

Saint Laurent Womenswear SS13- Hedi Slimane’s controversial collection

Similar partnership between Virgil and Nike, he clearly knows how to integrate himself and his mark on the worldview of other brands, and uses established rules. created in unique and interesting ways. Though there are doubts about plagiarism from other designers, especially Raf Simons. However, Virgil did not pay attention to them but continued to plunge into his ambitions by overcoming every limit that the pioneers had set. One example is the majority of works of Demna Gvasalia with Vetements, such as remodeled denim jeans or high heels (with lighter heels), is a continuation of techniques pioneered years ago by Maison Margiela (Demna used to work here).

Vetements’s Lighter Heel shoes

The fashion world is known for its distinct hierarchy, and to outsiders it seems impossible to reach the top. But changes seem to be starting to appear and he is holding the brightest torch in his hand to light the way for the younger generation. Besides aspirations, Virgil Abloh seemed to be a person who understood the difficulties more than anyone else.

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