The founder of streetwear brand Off-White and Kanye West’s longtime creative director, Virgil Abloh, has been named Louis Vuitton’s New Menswear Designer.
Abloh is the first African American artistic director, and one of the few black designers at the top of a French heritage house.
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The designer expressed his excitement about the new position, saying, “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.”
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Bringing Abloh onboard is going to bring a new look and vibe to the men’s collection. “Product is only one part of the luxury narrative,” he continued. “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.”
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Although Abloh has taken on a new position, he will continue to run Off-White, which he says is for his 17-year-old self. Louis Vuitton will represent who he is today at 37-years-old.
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Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection will make its debut in June for Paris Men Fashion Week. Congratulations to Virgil Abloh on your new position!
