FASHION

Our words for Virgil Abloh

BY VANESA KRIZONYTE

Virgil Abloh left a mark on us all and his legacy continues to inspire many today. This article is only a small selection of individuals who shared with me what Virgil Abloh means to them and why they like his designs.

“Virgil Abloh has been an innovator in the world of fashion and has made the Off-White brand a symbol of style and originality. His ability to blend elements of streetwear with high fashion has made his designs unique and captivating. For me, Abloh represents creativity and diversity in the fashion world, challenging conventions and bringing freshness to the industry. His designs are bold and reflect a youthful energy that attracts me, showcasing how fashion can be a means of expression and innovation.” @_SOLOANTONY_

“He was the master of collaboration. Simultaneously a student and teacher, wanting to learn from those he worked with and sharing his insights in return.” @CRAIGBARROW

“For me, Virgil was an anti-establishment fashion reference, breaking the stereotypes between the classic and the urban and creating a movement that paved the way for the inclusion of redesign, giving a fresh style to fashion with elegance and a unique flow.” @ALEXBRUZ

“Off-White is defining the gray area between black and white. It’s a simple brand yet you can find so many details if you look closer into Virgil Abloh’s designs.To me, Off-White the brand offers a way to uniquely express yourself and look closer into the gray area to understand where you fit.” @ALYCEASKYE

“Thanks for making things happen.” @DOMINGO_NDK

“Virgil Abloh was and still is my creative inspiration, he reshaped the fashion landscape with his innovative designs and breaking barriers, he left an indelible mark on the industry that will stick forever.” @SHANIAKIELYWHELAN

“I found myself surrounded by people of all calibres and was an immersive experience. I randomly found myself shooting in the backstage of LV’ first Virgil show as I was just walking by on the Seine. Virgil made everything accessible to everyone even if transmitting message of very high significant for the world fashion” @M_DOMINICI

“Virgil Abloh is an inspiration to me specifically because he is from the Midwest (Chicago area where I am originally from) he showed the entire world that “it ain’t where your from it’s where your at” – word to Rakim. He proved our minds, taste and love for our culture is universal.” @MRKSEE

“He has always been my favourite designer, his mind was absolute genius and he was truly inspiring.” @ANITAPICATOSTE

“Virgil was a design icon and a visionary of tomorrow’s fashion.” @GEORGESRGL

“He’s the goat! He was the one who made streetwear really famous and trendy too.” @DAVEWIDODO

“I went to that exhibition in New York with my team at Farfetch to celebrate the diversity and innovation Virgil brought to everything he touched, even outside of the fashion world and to also get inspired to always think outside the box and not be afraid to express yourself.” @SVETRESET

“At the time I actually didn’t know much about his work until the exhibition took place in Qatar. He was a gentle soul who broke boundaries for his community.” @I.AM.SHAIMA

“Virgil Abloh’s designs, like the ‘For Display Only’ bag, resonate with me because he challenges traditional notions of art and fashion. His work embodies a unique blend of creativity, innovation and social commentary, pushing boundaries and sparking conversations. Virgil’s designs inspire me to think differently and embrace the power of self-expression.” @AUGUSTAH

“I met Virgil through my friend Max Braun who was Virgil’s booking agent for his DJ sets all over the world. My favourite memory is his amazing set at Movement Detroit 2019.” @DSQUARED11

“Virgil’s designs are definitely one of a kind. I love how he took those incredible renaissance artworks and combined it with bold graphics and text, to give his fashion the unremarkable Virgil Abloh look.” @TONI_NEW_YORK

“Off-White is one of my go to brands. He’s one of a kind artist.” @MOE.ASSAF_23

“Virgil’s designs are not only creative but one of a kind. He was the bridge between streetwear and high fashion and uniquely united the two effortlessly.” @WHOS.JASMINE

“I could stay here for hours writing what I think about Virgil and his idea of fashion and what he managed to achieve. I think he has been truly innovative on a global level along with a few other artists in recent years. He was a genius, an icon who managed to decompose and reassemble everything. He gave a different interpretation to the world, he was and will always be a genius.” @ANDREA_RIZZARI

“I fell in love with the Off-White brand initially just from how simple, but unique and clean the designs are. Besides the logos being visually appealing, I’ve loved the brand’s motto of defining the grey area between black and white.” @EILEENHAYMAN

“His runway shows played a substantial role in helping me find my own bold style when I was getting into fashion, so in my eyes he was a trailblazer, an educator, and a gift to the industry.” @MADI.MCMAHON

“Virgil Abloh was an enormously influential figure in the world of fashion and design. His impact extended beyond fashion, as he also championed diversity and inclusion, paving the way for a new generation of designers of color. Virgil Abloh’s legacy will continue to inspire and shape the fashion industry for years to come.” @YOURSWEETESTDELIGHT

“To me, Virgil served as a bridge and artistic visionary between a predominantly white fashion community & the black culture, which has been appropriated extensively for generations.” @THEPSYCHICYOGI

“I appreciated his ability to push boundaries & stand apart from the rest.” photographed by @YO.RYLO

“I believe Virgil just went a step ahead of the rest, trying to combine designer clothes with the fast growing streetwear style at the time.It was an ambitious mindset that made him become the head designer at LV coming from Pyrex and following up with Off-White. I believe he has been an inspiration for a lot of people.” @CHRIS.GO96

“Without knowing him it became something very important to me. Thank you for everything you did.” @D7VIDR

 

Thank you, Virgil Abloh.

 

All participants for this article approved publication. Please find their Instagram accounts attached.

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