The speculated rumors has finally been confirmed, Virgil Abloh has been announced as Louis Vuitton mens wear new artistic director, he is the first African-American to fill that position. Virgil is the founder of Milan based haute street wear brand ‘Off-White and also a long time creative director for Kanye West.
Abloh would be taking over from Kim Jones who is currently the menswear designer at LVMH stablemate Christian Dior. This is definitely a proud moment for Abloh as he plans to relocate his family yo Paris so as to enable him take over his new job role at the largest brand in the stable of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world largest luxury group.
According to the designer “I feel elated, 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. And to show a younger generation that there is no one way anyone in this kind of position has to look is a fantastically modern spirit in which to start.”
The chief executive director of Louis Vuitton, Michael Burke is definitely excited about this “Virgil is incredibly good at creating bridges between the classic and the zeitgeist of the moment,” Micheal describes his journey with Virgil “I was really impressed with how they brought a whole new vibe to the studio and were disruptive in the best way. Virgil could create a metaphor and a new vocabulary to describe something as old-school as Fendi. I have been following his career ever since.”
A lot of persons seem concerned about ‘Off-Whites growth with Virgils absence but the designer seems to have everything covered. “I want to use Louis Vuitton’s history with travel to really look at different cultures around the world to help make all our humanity visible. When creativity melds together with global issues, I believe you can bring the world together. Fashion on this level can really open eyes.”
His words on Off-White — “it is for the 17-year-old version of myself, whereas Vuitton is for the 37-year-old I am today,” he said — and to work with Mr. West.Virgil would also reduce activities, including moonlighting as a D.J. He will show his first collection for Louis Vuitton during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in June.
This is definitely a new shift in the European fashion house and we totally anticipate Virgil’s first collection for Louis Vuitton during Paris Men’s Fashion week in June.
