In the world of fashion, Virgil Abloh is a name that needs no introduction. The American designer has made waves in the industry with his unique approach to design and his ability to blend high fashion with streetwear. One of his most significant accomplishments in recent years was becoming the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection.
However, rumors have been circulating about whether or not he still works for the luxury brand. So, does Virgil Abloh still work for Louis Vuitton? Let’s find out.
The Beginning of a Partnership
Virgil Abloh was appointed as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018, marking a significant moment in both his career and the history of the luxury brand. He was the first person of African descent to hold such a position at Louis Vuitton, and he quickly made his mark on the industry with his innovative designs.
The Rumors
Despite his success at Louis Vuitton, rumors began to circulate in late 2020 that Abloh had left or was fired from the brand. These rumors were fueled by social media posts from Abloh himself that seemed to hint at his departure.
The Instagram Post
In November 2020, Abloh posted an image on Instagram with a caption that read “Free,” leading many to speculate that he had left Louis Vuitton. However, this post was later revealed to be related to his book release titled “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech.” The word “Free” was used as a reference to how he felt after completing the book.
The Fashion Show
Another incident that fueled rumors about Abloh’s departure occurred during Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2021 show. When taking his final bow on the runway, Abloh appeared emotional and even appeared to wipe away tears, leading many to believe that this was his final show for the brand.
The Truth
Despite the rumors, it has been confirmed that Virgil Abloh still works for Louis Vuitton. The brand released a statement in January 2021 stating that Abloh was still the artistic director of menswear, and that the rumors were unfounded.
Abloh’s Response
In an interview with the New York Times, Abloh addressed the rumors about his departure from Louis Vuitton. He stated that he knew people would speculate about his social media posts and emotional appearance at the fashion show, but that he was still committed to his role at Louis Vuitton.
In Conclusion
Virgil Abloh is still very much a part of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection. While rumors may have circulated about his departure from the brand, it has been confirmed by both Louis Vuitton and Abloh himself that he is still the artistic director. As one of the most influential designers in the industry today, it will be exciting to see what new ideas and concepts he brings to future collections.