March 1, 2022 |
The late Virgil Abloh was a visionary. As a multidimensional creative he made his mark as a designer, architect, DJ and most remarkably as an amplifier of Black voices. When he passed away suddenly last November, he left a gaping hole in the heart of the fashion industry.
Last night’s Off-White show was a triumphant tribute never to be forgotten.
From the moment the co-ed cast clad in elevated cutout hoodies, letterman jackets and jumbo snapbacks stepped onto the scene, the posthumous collection took its A-list audience for a ride on Spaceship Earth — as the celebratory set was dubbed. This celestial metaphor made itself known in more ways than one, it was apparent in the triple-toe sandals, the high-heeled moon boots, the nebula-like tye-die and the star-spangled slips.
It was a lesson in Abloh’s legacy with every cheeky quote and famous motivational statement straight from the designer himself — most notably, the phrase “Question Everything” that was pasted onto white flags.
Designed by Abloh and completed by his Off-White team, the show featured not only his ready-to-wear work, but also a brand new haute couture line (without official appellation), 28 looks strong. A never-before-seen Met Gala dress, a self-portrait ensemble, voluminous layered tulle skirts and oversized velvet suiting presented a playful kind of glamour. And taking a more serious turn, Abloh’s private battle with cancer appeared to be referenced in two handbags held by Cindy Crawford: one stated “More Life” and the other was filled with red and white pills.
The attendees were Abloh’s friends and family; the models, his muses. In the front row was a pregnant Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Elsewhere, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Pharrell Williams and the CEOs of Louis Vuitton rocked up.
On the catwalk we saw Serena Williams, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Joan Smalls, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and many more. In the hearts of all who admired him, Abloh lives on.
Photography courtesy of Jason Lloyd-Evans.
