4 Times Virgil Abloh Merged Fashion With Architecture
Virgil Abloh drew inspiration from architecture, revolutionizing the fashion industry and pushing its boundaries to new heights.
Virgil Abloh, the creative genius behind the Off-White label and Louis Vuitton's menswear, has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion. He has redefined contemporary streetwear as we know it and served as a trailblazer for Black talent in fashion.
But did you know his notoriety for being an influential fashion designer can be attested to his formal training as an architect?
In a 2020 interview with Dezeen, Abloh explains how he pursued a career in fashion after earning a master’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Abloh is no stranger to form, structure, and functionality, thanks to his architectural background, and we see the translation of such principles in his fashion creations. Whether it’s in the designs of his Off-White stores or Louis Vuitton menswear collections, Abloh made sure to exhibit a sense of architectural touch to his design aesthetic.
Louis vuitton Men’s Fall/winter 2021 collection
In the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2021 menswear collection, Virgil Abloh showcased his deep-rooted fascination with architecture. He presented the show within a set inspired by the Barcelona Pavillion, a building designed by German architects Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich.
Emerald green marble walls and Barcelona chairs are seen in the show, giving credit to the original construction and material used by Rohe and Reich at the Barcelona Pavillion.
The collection itself blended fashion with architecture as seen with puffer jackets made up of historic landscapes such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This fusion of fashion and urban architecture shows Abloh’s innovative play with the two art forms.
2. Ikea “markerad” Collection
In 2019, Virgil Abloh collaborated with IKEA to create the "MARKERAD" collection, which creatively blended fashion and interior design. Common household pieces like rugs and wall clocks were given a new design, reminiscent of Abloh’s distinctive design language (I mean who doesn’t love the "WET GRASS" rug, It’s so simple yet so fashionable!). From chairs with quotes written in Abloh's signature quotation marks to duvets and pillowcases, the collaboration proved that fashion and architecture could effortlessly coexist in everyday objects.
3. Louis vuitton men’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection
In his debut collection for Louis Vuitton's menswear in 2018, Abloh drew inspiration from architectural concepts and fused them with streetwear influences. The Spring/Summer 2019 collection was a product of the marriage of urban architecture, and stylish garments. The use of graffiti-style prints and transparent fabric, reminiscent of a building’s facade, transformed the runway into the feel of a vibrant cityscape.
4. off-white flagship store miami
Virgil Abloh had impressive attention to detail when it came down to the aesthetic of his Off-White brand, and it’s apparent in his flagship stores around the world. More specifically, his Off-White flagship store in Miami transcends the traditional retail setting with a flexible floor plan and concrete floors that prevent overheating. Everything in this space was designed with intention by Virgil Abloh and AMO, a branch of the distinguished architecture company OMA, to create a cultural hub that blends architecture and fashion.
