Lowe by Beatrice Brandini
An image of a Virgil Abloh creation for Louis Vuitton
Virgil Abloh: The Codes will be the first major European retrospective dedicated to the revolutionary and brilliant designer who passed away too soon. Conceived and produced by Nike in collaboration with the Virgil Abloh archive, and curated by his closest collaborators, Chloe and Mahfuz Sultan.
Two creations by Virgil Abloh for Off White, 2018
The exhibition will open during Paris Fashion Week at the Grand Palais from September 30 to October 10, 2025. In the enormous exhibition space, visitors will be able to admire more than 1,000 pieces, some previously unseen, including prototypes, sketches, and photographs, testifying to Virgil’s multifaceted personality and unparalleled output, from Nike to Louis Vuitton, from Ikea to Kanye West, from Off White to DJ sets.
A creation by Virgil Abloh for IKEA
It will be very interesting to see how Abloh’s creative process took shape until its final realization, where sharing with his collaborators, often via WhatsApp, was the basis of every brainstorming session and then of a successful product.
A backstage image of Off White with Virgil Abloh
“It’s his entire journey, and we want to make sure people remember, see, and are able to be present in that world of what he created. The power he has is for everyone, for anyone with any creative energy.” Athiththan Selvendran, Virgil’s longtime collaborator and now director of the Virgil Abloh Archive.
A creation by Virgil Abloh for Off White, 2019
“Sharing his personal collection, unfinished projects, and magnum opus with the public is a monumental way to celebrate Virgil’s legacy and his commitment to making information accessible. Through the Archive™, Virgil will live on as a source of inspiration and a beacon of creative knowledge”, said Shannon Abloh.
Virgil Abloh photographed by Bogdan Chilldays Plakov
Sneaker Off White by Virgil Abloh for Nike
“I just want to create a brand that inspires and is geared towards young people.” Virgil Abloh has always tried to appeal to young people, giving them the opportunity to have a brand they can identify with completely. He looked at what was around him, what young people were wearing, creating a “necessity,” perhaps unexplored before him, between fashion and streetwear, between luxury and the streets. “Everything I do, I do with the version of myself I was at 17 in mind.” Virgil Abloh
Louis Vuitton fashion show tribute to Virgil Abloh
“You can’t surf without the wave. You have to study the wave, you have to be in the water, you have to watch it and know when it will break. You have to know if other surfers intend to ride the same wave. Design, in the modern sense of the word, is exactly that. And I go surfing every day.” Virgil Abloh Perhaps the statement that, more than any other, perfectly represents his idea of creativity and fashion: a process that can only be achieved through study, dedication, work, and the awareness of never being good enough.
An image of Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh captivated millions with his contemporary and authentic language. He passed away too soon, leaving an unfillable void for all those who loved him, his family, his friends, but also all those who admired and idolized him. Because I believe that, beyond his undeniable talent, Virgil Abloh was an authentic person, and no matter what your profession is, people always understand that.
Good life to everyone!
Beatrice