Enter Virgil Abloh. Known previously as the founder of the haute streetwear label Off-White, as well as the creative director for Kanye West’s previous fashion output, Virgil Abloh now has a new claim to fame: the first African-American artistic director for Louis Vuitton.
Virgil Abloh, aged 37, is a first-generation Ghanian-American from Illinois and is now making the move to Paris to be closer to the luxury brand. Abloh’s previous work perfectly encapsulated celebrity, music, digital and hype in a way unlike any previous Men’s Wear designers at Louis Vuitton.
Abloh has no formal fashion training, but he was, however, taught the ins and outs of fashion by his mother, who was a seamstress and taught him her trade. He further increased the scope of his designs by studying architecture and civil engineering, creating a unique style that is wholly his own.
In regards to the opportunity, Abloh had the following to say:
“This opportunity to think through what the next chapter of design and luxury will mean at a brand that represents the pinnacle of luxury was always a goal in my wildest dreams. And to show a younger generation that there is no one way anyone in this kind of position has to look is a fantastically modern spirit in which to start.”
Abloh’s place in the company is part of a men’s wear shake-up for Louis Vuitton, with Abloh taking the place of his predecessor, Kim Jones, who has gone on to become the men’s designer for Christian Dior, in turn taking the place of his predecessor Kris van Assche.
Michael Burke, the chief executive of Louis Vuitton, had the following to say about Virgil Abloh: “Virgil is incredibly good at creating bridges between the classic and the zeitgeist of the moment,” quite the compliment indeed.
It will be very interesting to see where Abloh can take Men’s Wear at Louis Vuitton. Will he continue in the same vein as his predecessor? Or will he take the more likely scenario of injecting his own sensibilities and styles into the brand? We are excited to find out!
Featured Image via Wikimedia
