With 4.5m + social media followers Ghanaian American born designer, DJ and creative Virgil Abloh. On the 25th March Set shockwaves through the social media world, with the announcement of his appointment as the new men’s Artistic Director for French luxury brand Louis Vuitton.
The 37-year old art director’s creative works include. Art directing Jay-z and Kanye ‘s Watch the throne, Album. For which he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best recording package. As well as founding Milan based street wear brand Off-White. Under which he collaborated with fashion heavyweights Nike, Kith, Warby Parker and Jimmy Choo. Interms of accolades he received the Urban Luxe award at the British fashion awards in 2017.
Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton CEO and Chairman- reflects that the decision to hire Virgil came from his innate creativity and disruptive approach. That make him relevant not only in the world of fashion but in popular culture.
Virgil currently draws his inspiration from the things he sees on the street, as well as the many inspirational friends he has. With LV, he aims to establish a new vocabulary something that’s youthful modern but at the same time is hinged on the past. Drawing from the heritage and the creative integrity of the brand and paralleling this to modern times. When asked what drew him to the LV brand Virgil cites that the ability to create ideas on a wonderful infrastructure built on luxury and craftsmanship.
Many in the fashion world have seen LV’s move as an attempt to attract a new generation of streetwear enthusiasts.
Interms of profile Abloh is the first person of African descent to lead the brands menswear line, joining a number of black designers leading some of the major French houses, that include Balmain and Givenchy. Abloh cannot afford to celebrate for long as his debut begins in June. where he will be showcasing at this year’s men’s fashion week in Paris.
Writer: Mthobisi Dladla