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Brand Focus: Off-White
In straightforward terms, Virgil Abloh was an architect, designer, DJ and entrepreneur. Yet, he's best remembered as a fashion legend who profoundly influenced the creative world. Among his many achievements, founding Off-White stands out as one of his most important legacies.
Among contenders and pretenders, Off-White stands out as a genuine and astute fusion of streetwear and luxury in the contemporary fashion landscape. Based in Milan, the label harnesses the quality of Italy’s craftsmanship while embodying the unruly spirit of youth culture.
With a mission to define the grey area between black and white, Off-White tells a new story of what luxury fashion can be.
History
Born in 1980 in Rockford, Illinois, to Ghanaian parents, Abloh didn’t follow the traditional path into fashion. Instead, he pursued a degree in civil engineering and later earned a master's degree in architecture. Despite his academic focus, Abloh nurtured a passion for creativity, exploring various projects alongside his studies.
Following an internship at Fendi and collaborations with Kanye West at the Donda agency, among other endeavours, Virgil Abloh established his first label and boutique, Pyrex Vision, in 2012. Though short-lived, it left an indelible mark on streetwear culture.
Seeking a fresh start, Abloh redirected his creative vision into a new venture called Off-White. With fashion as its primary focus, Off-White served as a platform for Abloh's multidisciplinary experimentation, spanning art, music, and architecture.
Off-White rapidly ascended to prominence, establishing flagship stores, showcasing runway collections at Paris Fashion Week, and securing coveted collaborations.
Abloh's dedication to inclusivity and mentorship, evidenced by initiatives such as inviting students to Louis Vuitton shows and funding scholarships, further endeared him to admirers.
Notably, he made history as the first African American to serve as artistic director at Louis Vuitton, a milestone in the world of French luxury houses.
While Abloh's untimely passing in 2021 at the age of 41 deeply saddened the industry, his spirit lives on through Off-White, perpetuating his visionary legacy and ethos.
The Faces Behind the Brand
When Abloh began Off-White, he secured funding and support through a licensing agreement with the New Guards Group, which also supports brands like Palm Angels and Heron Preston.
In July 2021, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton announced its acquisition of a 60% stake in Off-White, with founder Virgil Abloh retaining the remaining 40%.
Despite the New Guards Group being acquired by Farfetch in 2019, Off-White maintains its licensing agreement. However, there are speculations about a potential full takeover by LVMH in the future.
Ibrahim Kamara, the editor-in-chief of Dazed fashion magazine, has been appointed as the new art and image director at Off-White. Having previously collaborated with Virgil Abloh, Kamara's appointment underscores the brand's commitment to its creative vision.
What Sets Off-White Apart?
Off-White's aesthetic, born from Abloh’s vision of blending streetwear with high fashion, is unmistakable.
Incorporating workwear references like zip ties and the industrial belt, and appropriating familiar iconography like the Mona Lisa for T-shirts and hoodies, the brand approaches luxury with a sharp and irreverent spirit.
Abloh’s recipe for success was to take recognisable visual elements and tweak them slightly, injecting new intrigue into the familiar. His innovative approach to design and keen understanding of contemporary culture have made Off-White a leading force in the world of luxury fashion.
One of the brand's most iconic features is its playful use of quotation marks, lending an ironic twist to everything from mundane descriptions like “shoelaces” to witty catchphrases. Additionally, diagonal stripes and arrow logos have emerged as signature motifs of Off-White.
These design elements are prominently featured across the brand's range of clothing, accessories, and footwear, including cult items like its varsity jackets and sneakers. The Out of Office and Odsy-1000s, for example, are steadfast favourites in the sneakerhead world.
Off-White has been actively collaborating across various industries, with some of its most recognizable partnerships including the “The Ten” collection with Nike, the line of household objects released in collaboration with IKEA, and the joint venture with Rimowa for a unique luggage collection. These limited-edition collections are highly coveted and often sell out rapidly, becoming hot commodities on the resale markets.
Off-White has many fans among celebrities and influencers, who are frequently seen wearing the brand's clothing and accessories. A-listers like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Jay-Z have all shown their support for Abloh by donning Off-White pieces, significantly boosting its popularity and visibility.
Sizing and Care Tips
Off-White, despite its unique approach, remains a luxury brand that substantiates its price tags not only through reputation, limited editions, and hype, but also through high-quality manufacturing.
While Off-White may inject a bit of sarcasm into its aesthetic, it's undeniably a luxury brand that justifies its price tags through its reputation, limited editions, and high-quality manufacturing.
To maintain the pristine condition of your Off-White merchandise, follow these care tips:
· For printed hoodies and t-shirts, wash them inside out in cold water and air dry. Avoid ironing over the print.
· For varsity jackets, opt for dry cleaning or hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
· For leather sneakers, use a soft bristle brush with warm soapy water to clean stains. Store them in their original box or dust bag to preserve their freshness.
Off-White products typically fit true to size, but you can refer to the conversion chart on their website for detailed measurements if needed.
Getting the Real Deal
To guarantee the authenticity of Off-White products online, ensure your purchase is from a certified retailer. Threadspy collaborates exclusively with certified premium menswear retailers, providing transparency on product availability through our website. You can shop Off-White directly here.
If purchasing in person from a market or charity shop, watch for specific indicators: check that labels on the neck of hoodies and t-shirts are light green in colour, and the text is embossed in a rubbery material rather than simply printed. Additionally, be wary of signs such as sloppy stitching and overall garment construction.
Overall, Off-White is celebrated for its fusion of streetwear and high fashion, as well as its bold aesthetic and innovative designs. With Virgil Abloh at the helm, the brand pushed boundaries and redefined the intersection of fashion, art, and culture.
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