In a constantly evolving fashion world, where designers come and go, Louis Vuitton continues to reinvent itself, tirelessly exploring new avenues to preserve its legacy, even if it means challenging conventions at times. One of the most impactful figures in this approach is undoubtedly Virgil Abloh. This African-American designer, who described himself as a “Haute Couture infiltrator” redefined the rules of luxury by skillfully blending streetwear codes with the traditional craftsmanship of the Maison. In 2018, when he was appointed Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh set out to rethink the boundaries of design at Louis Vuitton, creating an unprecedented dialogue between tradition and modernity. Through his bold approach, he managed to capture the attention of a new generation, making the brand more attractive than ever. This ability to innovate, surprise, and embrace the avant-garde allows the flagship brand of the LVMH group to endure through the ages while remaining at the cutting edge of fashion.
The first major Black designer recognized on the fashion scene, Virgil Abloh left a lasting impact on the industry with his talent until his sudden passing from illness in 2021. Along the way, he ushered in a new era of luxury defined by inclusivity and self-expression. His immense talent is reflected in his creations, infused with numerous cultural references, particularly his Ghanaian heritage. During Paris Fashion Week in 2021, he even presented an LV-branded kente, a traditional Ghanaian fabric once reserved for royalty. His signature style is evident in the fusion of streetwear and runway, with basketball-inspired sneakers, sweatshirts, and checkerboard bags reimagined in pop versions.
In 2018, Time Magazine named Virgil Abloh one of the 100 most influential people in the world, a breakthrough for this young designer who seemed destined for an entirely different career. A graduate in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virgil Abloh went largely unnoticed in the fashion world for a long time. It wasn’t until 2013, with the launch of his brand Off-White, that he began to make a name for himself. His creative boldness, coupled with the unwavering support of his circle and his longtime friend Kanye West, helped him gain considerable visibility.
As the king of streetwear, Virgil Abloh turned his shows into must-attend events on the Parisian calendar. While he was praised for his design sense and his ability to play with nuances, he was also criticized by some detractors for his lack of formal tailoring knowledge and his media omnipresence. Yet this only fueled his role as a spokesperson for younger generations, inspiring future designers and challenging luxury conventions. To succeed him, Louis Vuitton appointed the multi-talented artist and composer Pharrell Williams—almost as a tribute to the myth of Virgil Abloh, whose influence remains undiminished.
