WHO WAS VIRGIL ABLOH? A REVOLUTIONARY OF TODAY’S FASHION

Find out who was Virgil Abloh

Virgil Abloh passed away at the age of 41 as a result of cancer. Virgil was the first African-American fashion designer to play a prominent role in the luxury fashion industry through the creation of the Off White label and his role as creative director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s line. We’ll tell you more about him!

Who was Virgil Abloh?

Virgil Abloh has been one of the quintessential names in modern culture; even more so when it comes to fashion, of course. His figure and his approach, overly popular and impactful in contemporary design, have made history in every sense. First, by laying the foundations for a street style all over the world; then, as the first man of African descent to take the helm of the legendary French brand, Louis Vuitton.

Known for his industrial, urban, casual, and almost countercultural style, Virgil Abloh is today considered the most powerful—influential, and respected—designer of today. Especially if we refer to the millennial generation. His impact and his figure are such that he has rightly been compared to the greatness of Karl Lagerfeld (a pillar of women’s fashion).

From his brand, Off-White, to unexpected collaborations with massive labels (such as Ikea), you can’t help but get to know and delve into the life of this creative who made history before his departure. For this, ten essential points of his career.

His Origins

Virgil Abloh grew up in a middle-class Chicago neighborhood as the son of Ghanaian immigrants. During his formative years, Abloh’s father ran a painting company, while his mother was a seamstress.

He initially trained as an architect

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he studied civil engineering. Abloh then went on to earn a master’s degree in architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Interested in postmodern architectural style and deconstructivism, the designer combined the sewing lessons he learned from his mother with what would become his greatest destiny: fashion design.

He began, like many, with a blog!

Discover who was Virgil Abloh.

Pinterest.

Inspired by his mother, his studies, and the street culture of Chicago, Abloh began exploring the world of fashion by designing T-shirts, while also contributing to a popular street fashion blog, The Brilliance.

Virgil Abloh with Kanye West

A friendship that changed design, music, and fashion in ways we never imagined.

During his graphic work in Chicago, Abloh met Kanye West, who immediately recognized his creativity and talent. West asked him to work on the merchandising and visuals for his album Graduation. Thus began a friendship that, combining hip-hop, art and fashion, revolutionized the world as we know it today.

Virgil Abloh with Kanye West

Pinterest

Internship in the fashion system

In 2009, Abloh and West began an internship at Fendi. It was there that the two were educated in almost every area of design. It was there that Michael Burke, former CEO of Louis Vuitton, first saw the work of this genius.

His first brand

Abloh’s first effort to start a fashion brand was in 2012 when he launched a company called Pyrex Vision. His mission was to appeal to youth culture, producing every day and hyper-familiar clothing with a new twist.

Off-White

Shortly after closing Pyrex Vision, Abloh founded Off-White. A brand that would go on to become a huge success with 10.6 million followers on Instagram and whose strategies to increase its presence in pop culture was to collaborate with prominent brands such as Nike, Levi’s, Moncler, Timberland, and Champion.

The Ten

Speaking of Off-White’s collaborations, arguably the most important of his career was when Nike called him to take charge of a collection of 10 of the brand’s classic trainers.

Dubbed The Ten, the collection consists of the redesign and interpretation of ten iconic Nike silhouettes. This is still considered the most over-the-top sneaker release of its decade and, perhaps, of all time.

Fashion Impact

In 2018, Abloh made history when he was appointed artistic director of the men’s ready-to-wear line at Louis Vuitton. That same year, he appeared on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

High-end street fashion

Abloh is considered one of the pioneers of “high” street fashion. Something he has called a post-streetwear movement. An aesthetic that originated in hip-hop and skate culture, as well as in the more dystopian scenes of the big cities.

When these lines between luxury and streetwear were torn down under the influence of his creative mind, everywhere began to follow this pattern of a new order and a new way of understanding fashion. From Dior working with designs by Travis Scott to Gucci collaborating with Dapper Dan.

The end of Virgil Abloh

On 28 November 2021, at the age of 41, designer Virgil Abloh sadly passed away from cancer (cardiac angiosarcoma); an illness he had been fighting for the last two years, privately.

CATEGORIES

RECENT POSTS

RECENT POSTS

HOW TO GET OVER A BREAKUP: SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU

To learn how to overcome a romantic breakup, you must keep in mind that although it is a difficult task to achieve, the truth is that you can always move forward. Human resilience will help you overcome any adversity. The breakup of a couple is a painful experience, an overwhelming situation that affects you physically, […]

BAD COUPLE TATTOOS: HORRIBLE BUT FUNNY!

Obtaining a tattoo on the body is a desire that nearly everyone wishes to accomplish in their lifetime. Making mistakes is a natural part of life, yet certain individuals have unfortunately selected ill-advised tattoos that come with lasting consequences. These couples have selected mismatched tattoos that won’t simply fade away within a week. Take a […]

ORBITING DATING, WHAT IS IT?

Just when you thought you were getting the hang of what ghosting was, or even the whole stalking thing, along comes another new term: orbiting. It seems like navigating relationships has become even trickier since social media stepped into the scene. New terms and behaviors keep popping up, ones we never had to deal with […]

GREENWASHING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

Every day, people are becoming increasingly aware of their role in society and the need to protect and care for the environment. It’s a conscious and radical shift that allows no delays or hesitations. This has led some companies, whose economic activities affect the environment and health, to significantly reduce their consumption levels and therefore […]

WHY IS MY PHONE GETTING HOT? HOW TO AVOID IT

All phones can experience occasional heat buildup, which becomes problematic when it reaches a level that causes discomfort or triggers unusual behavior. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to prevent your phone from overheating. Why does my phone heat up? Typically, phone overheating occurs due to factors such as excessive usage, a stressed […]

TAKE YOUR ADRENALINE TO THE MAXIMUM WITH POWERBOCKING

Powerbocking, also referred to as “power-rizing,” “blade running,” and “jump stilting,” is a sport where athletes utilize specialized leg attachments called jumping stilts. These jumping stilts are curved in form and equipped with springs, enabling users to achieve remarkable heights when jumping.  They are known to enhance an athlete’s performance across various activities, with claims […]

UNDERWATER MUSEUM: ART UNDERWATER IN CANCUN

If you love exploring the underwater world, this museum is for you. The Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte – MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico, is the perfect destination for all enthusiasts of the underwater world.  This incredible underwater museum features a wide variety of artistic installations and sculptures designed for you to enjoy […]

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: A PLACE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Mount Rainier became a national park because people with different views worked together. They wanted to save its beautiful scenery from being lost forever. Over six years, several businessmen, scientists, educators, mountaineers, and environmentalists united to advocate before Congress to protect Mount Rainier as a national park.  Their hard work paid off when President McKinley […]

ROCKVILLE FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP, ARTISTS, AND MORE

In the vibrant realm of music, Welcome to Rockville has arisen as a beacon for rock and metal enthusiasts. This festival, which had its humble beginnings in Jacksonville, has evolved dramatically, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. In this editorial journey, we will delve into the history of Welcome to Rockville, from its […]

DEADPOOL 3: THE FAVORITE ANTI-HERO RETURNS

The buzz surrounding the film is undeniable, and with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman returning as one of the most beloved X-Men, Wolverine, many rumors suggest that Deadpool 3 has every chance of becoming the biggest event in the Spider-Man Multiverse. Especially since it will be the only confirmed Marvel Studios film for 2024! What […]

WHAT IS BLACKWORK TATTOO?

Blackwork tattooing is a style that relies exclusively on black ink, favored by many tattoo artists who prioritize its use over other colors. Currently, there’s a significant demand for this style, reflecting its popularity among both artists and clients! Executing blackwork tattoos poses a challenge due to its versatility, encompassing various techniques and design approaches. […]

OSCARS 2024: THE WINNERS OF THE 96TH EDITION

The Oscars might not be breaking any viewership records in recent years. The numbers are dropping, and the competition is getting tougher. Audiences are tuning into streaming platforms or exploring other forms of entertainment like video games, the new big thing in the leisure industry.  The Oscars persist and will continue to be a spectacle […]

CANNABIS CAKE: SPACE CAKE RECIPE

Space cakes truly live up to their name. It’s like having your favorite cake but with a magical touch of herb! Almost every coffee shop in Amsterdam has some type of space cake on their menu, and more people are daring to try them to experience a discreet and delicious edible high. The good news […]

Newsletters

Last Minute new From Roll & Feel Sign-up

Stay in touch with our latest
news