Abloh’s big break came while working at Fendi in 2009, where he crossed paths with Kanye West for the first time. Just one year later, West asked Abloh to become the director of his creative content company, Donda.
In his time at the company, Abloh worked on music videos, stage designs for concerts, and, most importantly, covers for music releases. Donda produced some of the most iconic album art in hip-hop history, including Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint and Kanye’s own Yeezus.
His first fashion brand, Off-White, was formed in 2013, and it stands as his most successful to this day. The label prides itself on riding the line between streetwear and luxury clothing, changing the way people view streetwear.
Off-White has continued to push the boundaries of fashion in his memory.
Off-White collaborated with a variety of huge brands including Nike, Dr. Martens, Moncler, and even IKEA. The brand appealed to teens and young adults, forming a mass following built on self-expression and empowerment.
Even after Abloh’s tragic passing, Off-White has continued to push the boundaries of fashion in his memory. The team are committed to upholding Virgil’s core values, and only partner with brands that they believe Abloh would have aligned creatively with.
Virgil Abloh’s creative influence still affects fashion to this day, and it will certainly continue to for a very, very long time.