Virgil Abloh: The Greatest Fashion Designer of Our Generation
Written by Olivia Hollenbeck
Virgil Abloh has died at the age of 41 after a private battle with cancer. This news has shaken the fashion industry and has saddened the hearts of many who admire Abloh for his innovative work. Many people have spoken out about his great heart alongside his visionary talent - specifically Gigi Hadid, who wrote a sweet Instagram post stating, “his kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched.” Hadid and Abloh were good friends, as Abloh designed her memorable wedding dress that featured Abloh’s iconic quote marks reading “Till Death Do Us Part.”
To honor Virgil Abloh and the legacy he will leave behind, here are the top 3 creative moments that make Abloh one of the greatest designers of this generation:
#1 Creation of Off-White
Everyone who knows fashion knows Off-White. It got its beginning in 2012 when Abloh created Pyrex Vision, a brand that sold basic graphics on t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. This transformed into his infamous Off-White brand. Off-White makes clothing that is well recognizable, catering to logo loving people. Abloh, in fact, made the brand’s items so recognizable - arguably tacky - in an ironic way. The brand puts sayings in quotes, such as “For Riding” on a pair of boots, for comedic and ironic affect. Off-White has been such a success due to the obvious logo placement, making it a sought after possession. Current resale values for the Nike X Off-White collaboration is insane. Originally $200 shoes are selling for upwards of $1000. Off-White’s cult following, due to Abloh’s creative genius and ability to market the brand, has transformed the fashion industry.
#2 Collaboration with Nike
Abloh had always been a creative, even when he was just a teenager. Starting at the young age of 12, he would send sneaker sketches to Nike. Nike stated that many of his designs were inspired by music covers and graffiti. Abloh always claimed partnering with Nike was the pinnacle of designer success. He fulfilled his biggest goal in 2017, when he partnered with Nike for the first time. Off-White’s partnership included “The Ten” collection, reinventing the Air Force 1 and making the shoe even more iconic.
#3 Activism through Fashion
Although fashion was Abloh’s passion, he recognized the world was bigger than just clothes and shoes. He made an effort to spread awareness and speak out through his art form, fashion design. Just this year, Off-White started the campaign, “I Support Black Women” in order to take a stance against racial injustice. The campaign centers around 10 black women, all from different walks of life, and includes webinars with each woman about the fight for social justice. Abloh also publicly stood up for victims of police violence, specifically when he made a dress sketch that read “Today was a good to arrest Breonna Taylor’s Murderers”.