If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. But have you heard of Virgil Abloh?
He’s been making waves in the fashion industry as the creative director for Louis Vuitton’s menswear line. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Virgil does at Louis Vuitton and why he’s such an important figure in the fashion world.
The Early Years
Before we dive into Virgil’s current role at Louis Vuitton, let’s take a quick look at his background. Virgil Abloh was born in Rockford, Illinois in 1980.
He originally studied civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison but eventually shifted his focus to architecture and design. In 2003, he received his Master’s degree in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Off-White and Pyrex Vision
After completing his education, Virgil became involved in the world of fashion. In 2012, he founded Pyrex Vision – a streetwear brand that gained popularity for its use of bold graphics and text. However, it was his next venture that really put him on the map.
In 2013, Virgil launched Off-White – a luxury streetwear brand that quickly gained a cult following. Off-White is known for its signature diagonal stripes and quotation mark branding. The brand has collaborated with numerous other high-end designers and retailers.
Louis Vuitton
In March 2018, it was announced that Virgil Abloh would be taking on the role of artistic director for Louis Vuitton’s menswear line. This was a groundbreaking move – not only was Virgil one of the few black designers to hold such a prestigious position in fashion but he also came from a streetwear background rather than traditional high fashion.
Since joining Louis Vuitton, Virgil has brought his unique vision and style to the brand. He’s known for combining classic Louis Vuitton elements with more modern, streetwear-inspired designs. He’s also been praised for his focus on inclusivity – both in terms of casting diverse models and creating clothing that can be worn by people of different genders and body types.
The Impact of Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh’s influence on fashion cannot be overstated. He’s brought a fresh perspective to one of the oldest and most revered luxury brands in the world. His ability to bridge the gap between high fashion and streetwear has made him a trailblazer in the industry.
But Virgil’s impact extends beyond just his work at Louis Vuitton. He’s also been a mentor to other young designers and has used his platform to advocate for social justice issues. In 2020, he donated $1 million to various organizations that support Black Lives Matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Virgil Abloh is a designer who has made waves in the fashion industry with his unique vision and style. His role as artistic director at Louis Vuitton has solidified his place among the most important figures in high fashion. But perhaps even more importantly, he’s used his platform to advocate for inclusivity and social justice – making him not just a designer but a cultural icon as well.