"Virgil"
Creative designer and DJ Virgil Abloh is one of few setting the stage for the future of fashion. His latest collab with Nike, workshops in NYC and London open to the public, along with curating his own label Off White, Virgil Abloh is inspiring a new generation of artists and designers. While Off White has a wide following of street stylists, models and fashion enthusiasts, the label's success lies in part to incredible design and depth that Virgil puts into everything he creates.
In an interview Virgil described his philosophy on fashion as "Off-White is a creative studio, a recording system of time and culture, politics and art. I didn’t understand the fashion industry when I was younger, so I wanted to start a brand that is more democratic than other high fashion labels and only made for the young consumer." Virgil's philosophy directly relates to his evolution as a designer and also what he sees as the future of fashion. As an outsider to the fashion world, his outlook brings fresh creativity and a vibrancy to street style. Zippered blazers, Caravaggio printed tshirts, checkered backpacks, 'galaxy' brushed sweatpants, Off White high tops with a camo print, not to mention the infamous Off White hoodies, to mention a few from the Off White A/W 17 collection.
His 2018 collection will be inspired by the late Princess Diana, the people's princess. Having a background in architecture and DJ-ing in his spare time, Virgil takes from multiples arts and lifestyles to give an authentic and relevant connection to his audience. About the concept of being relevant Virgil said that "With Off-White, I want to reach the generation of the millennials. They have different needs and different cultural codes: They wear a T-shirt or a hoodie like a formal shirt or jacket. So my approach is marked by a conceptual and deconstructive attitude, questioning the conventions of the industry and refusing to take the traditions of tailoring and construction for granted." The underlying themes and subtle references to popular culture were seen in the shoes Virgil reconstructed for Nike representing a revolutionary movement of creativity and fashion.