Virgil is a phenomenon on the scale of contemporary times. He did not graduate from any school related to designing. This is a rarity among today's loud names, which often break through with a breakthrough collection at the end of a prestigious school or receive a scholarship to develop their brand.
Abloh did not receive such a scholarship, but in return he was able to make acquaintance with Kanye West, who despite many stumbles, is still one of the most influential people in the world of fashion. In 2010 he was hired by West as the creative director of his agency DONDA, and also collaborated on the album "Watch The Throne", which was the result of West's collaboration with rapper Jay-Z.
Virgil Abloh, the biggest influencer among designers
In the following years, Virgil Abloh focused mainly on his own projects and at that time one could feel the designer's love for streetwear style in a more luxurious edition. The clothes he created stood out with original details and an unconventional approach to street style. His non-trivial projects were appreciated by the jury of a prestigious competition, which rewarded him with the opportunity to present his collection on the runway in Milan and Paris.
Since then, in the industry, it is said that no one designs like Virgil. Off White, the brand Abloh founded in 2013, is not the designer's first "child" (he previously briefly ran the brand Pyrex Vision), but it is certainly the most beloved. Thanks to this brand, his name began to be recognized among the fans of sophisticated fashion with a street character. Support from West and other hip-hop stars, as well as recognition among fashion critics, allowed Virgil Abloh to fully spread his wings.
Virgil - Off White, Louis Vuitton and a series of collaborations
The LVMH company added wind under these wings, offering the designer the position of creative director of the Louis Vuitton brand, after Kim Jones moved to Dior Homme. Jones had already previously laid the groundwork for a streetwear accent in luxurious clothes bearing the Louis Vuitton tag. Virgil therefore had an easier task, so no one is surprised that his first collection for the French fashion house was a great success.
The collection for the spring/summer 2019 season delighted just as much, especially as it is full of references to the unique style of Michael Jackson. If anyone knows how to combine luxury, stage elements and the illusionary character of clothes, it is only Virgil. Off White remains the apple of the designer's eye, and the collections he creates for his own brand sell out as fast as those with the Louis Vuitton tag.
It is also worth mentioning that Virgil Abloh collaborates with several brands, creating original limited collections. His collaborations with the brand IKEA, Nike, Levi's, and the brand Jimmy Choo have met with wide acclaim and have proven to be a great success for both parties.
