Virgil Abloh Shines at Paris Men's Fashion Week
Virgil Abloh Shines at Paris Men’s Fashion Week
Virgil Abloh thrives as a highly regarded stylist, designer, and DJ who gained prominence and fame when he emerged as Kanye West’s gifted creative director. Since his launch, he took the fashion industry by a storm when he created his lavish streetwear label, Off-White, and gained the respected role of artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton in March 2018.
Virgil Abloh; Source: Photo by Sebastian Kim via Vogue, October 2015
The DJ turned designer showcased his first ever collection in his new role as artistic director of the legendary fashion house, Louis Vuitton, on Thursday. Jaws dropped and heads turned as models donned Virgil’s breathtaking creations down the runway, setting the stage for the designer’s reign as the first African American artistic director in the house’s 164-year history. The event was presented at Palais Royale, with the runway painted in bright, rainbow colors that exuded vibrant energy.
Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Palais Royale; Source: @louisvuitton via Instagram
The show made headlines, attracting not only the sought-after designer, but all of his loyal celebrity friends. In the audience sat Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Rita Ora, Ansel Elgort, A$AP Rocky, and Bella Hadid, just to name a few. The fashion show was a true testament to the designer’s talents, praised for his chic, modernistic designs that elevated the meaning of a contemporary ensemble.
Bella Hadid and Naomi Campbell attend the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2019; Source: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images
This opportunity to think through what the next chapter of design and luxury will mean at a brand that represents the pinnacle of luxury was always a goal in my wildest dreams
Rihanna; Source: Photo by Chesnot via WireImage
The 38-year-old Ghana native grew up in Chicago, earning his bachelor degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002, and going on to study architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Virgil Abloh spent two years as an architect before discovering his passion for fashion. 2009 was a transformative year for the creative visionary, when he established Chicago based art gallery and menswear boutique, RSVP Gallery, and joined world-famous icon Kanye West’s creative agency, Donda, as creative director. Virgil Abloh was a significant member of Kanye’s team, overseeing projects such as stage shows and concert merchandise.
Source: Photo by @Jackie_nickerson via @louisvuitton
The eminent DJ, otherwise known as alias ‘Flat-White,’ founded his first fashion brand, Pyrex Vision, in 2012. The brand ‘s signature features screen-printed logos onto Champion t-shirts and dead stock Ralph Lauren rugby shirts, adding a new, trendy twist to a minimalistic piece. Virgil’s eye for fashion is impressive, earning him collaborations with Matthew Williams Heron Preston as part of a collective named Been Trill.
Rita Ora; Source: Source: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images
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Virgil’s label, Off-White, was born one year later as an ‘evolved incarnation’ of Pyrex Vision, rooted in contemporary culture that exudes imagination and the now. The men’s and women’s streetwear label flourishes, worn by celebrities such as Jay-Z, ASAP Rocky, Rihanna and Beyoncé, and was picked up by luxury department stores, Barney’s and Colette. The Milan-based brand continues to prosper, making its way to the top as a LVMH Prize finalist.
Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West; Source: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images
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