Off-White is widely known for its progressive and slightly ironic take on fashion. The late founder and fashion industry pioneer Virgil Abloh propelled the brand to stardom in just a few seasons, creating one of the most coveted contemporary brands of recent years.
origins
Off-White was founded by the late designer Virgil Abloh in 2012, then under the name Pyrex Vision. The brand first made waves with the sale of Ralph Lauren deadstock, given a second life with prints. In 2013 the brand was relaunched as Off-White. A year later, Virgil Abloh added a women’s line to the label and debuted his collections at Paris Fashion Week. In 2015, the brand was nominated for the prestigious LVMH award. Although Off-White did not win the award, a success story followed in the years that followed.
evolution
Off-White soon gained global recognition for its progressive and slightly tongue-in-cheek street style, turning heads with a yellow belt emblazoned with the brand’s name that resembled a luggage strap. Over the years, the brand has collaborated with Nike, Levi’s, Jimmy Choo, Ikea and Evian. In the years 2018 to 2021, the brand ranked in the top spots of international rankings reflecting popularity among consumers. In addition to Off-White, Virgil Abloh also took over as artistic director of LVMH House Louis Vuitton in 2018.
Current
The Fall 2022 ready-to-wear collection was the last collection Virgil Abloh designed himself before his sudden death. Just a few months earlier, Abloh sold 60 percent of Off-White’s shares to LVMH. Since then, the fashion industry has been waiting to see how the brand will continue without its founder and creative mind. Abloh is said to have left behind a wealth of ideas to be implemented in the following seasons.
