The king of street wear and cult brand Off-White’s founder Virgil Abloh, is now the Artistic Director for luxury label Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear. Virgil succeeds Kim Jones, who announced his departure last week. Considering there are (and were!) only a few black designers leading big fashion brands; such as Olivier Rousting for Balmain or Ozwald Boateng for Givenchy – Virgil’s succession to a leading role of a French fashion house is monumental. The designer will present his first collection for Louis Vuitton in June during the Paris Men’s fashion week.
“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,” said Virgil in a statement.
At the age of 22 Virgil made headlines by becoming a creative consultant to Kanye West and also while working as an intern for the singer at the fashion house, Fendi. Earlier today, the designer posted a photo of a Louis Vuitton monogram trunk with the initials LV on it, to his Instagram page, confirming the news to the world.
