Virgil Abloh is making historic moves in the fashion world. The designer is Louis Vuitton’s first African-American artistic director and it’s a huge deal. Because, #BlackExcellence. More inside…
As actors and actresses fight for more inclusion in Hollywood, the fashion world seems to be headed in the right direction when it comes to that.
Virgil Abloh, Off-White founder & longtime creative director for Kanye West, will be the next artistic director of men’s wear at Louis Vuitton, one of the oldest and most powerful luxury groups. And he'll be the first African-American to ever hold the position.
Let’s face it, it's not every day a black man is at the top of a French heritage house. It’s almost unheard of, so the fact that Louis Vuitton is shaking things up with some melanin magic is music to our ears. Since blacks are a major consumer group of all things retail, and we all know how folks love their LV, why not have a brand reflect its consumer base on the creative side?
“It is an honor for me to accept the position of men’s artistic director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the house are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times,” the designer said in a statement.
The former Fendi intern will show his first collection during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris in June. We can’t wait to see how he incorporates his love for streetwear into the luxury world.
.@VirgilAbloh joins #LouisVuitton
Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome Virgil Abloh as its new Men’s Artistic Director. His first show will take place in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. pic.twitter.com/4aEOH7T9J8
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) March 26, 2018
Virgil will move his family to Paris to fulfill his duties at the largest brand in the stable of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
“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," he shared. "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.”
Diddy hopped on social media to congratulate Virgil on his new gig:
Congratulations my brother @VirgilAbloh the new men's wear designer for @LouisVuitton#BlackExcellence
— Diddy (@Diddy) March 26, 2018
Congrats Virgil!
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Photo: Getty