Virgil Abloh: Off-White, Luxury, and Open-Source Fashion
Feb 23, 2024
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The podcast delves into Virgil Abloh's impact on luxury rap, open-source fashion, and his relationship with Kanye West. It discusses his 3% rule, legacy, controversies, and how he reshaped the industry with brands like Pyrex Vision and Off-White.
Virgil Abloh's influence on open-source fashion revolutionizes creativity and collaboration in the industry.
The podcast explores Virgil's impactful relationships, including his ties with Kanye West, shaping his journey in fashion.
Deep dives
Building a Streetwear Brand
One of the main strategies discussed in the podcast is how to build a streetwear brand effectively. The five-step process includes buying cheap blanks, making the blanks easily recognizable, getting influential people to wear the clothes, selling limited items for high prices, and ultimately profiting from the brand.
Influences and Relationships in Fashion
The episode delves into Virgil Abloh's influences and relationships in the fashion industry. It explores his early ties with key tastemakers like Don C and John Monopoly, as well as his impactful collaborations with artists like Kanye West. The discussion also highlights his noteworthy work on brands like Bintrill, Pyrex Vision, and Off-White, showcasing his journey through the fashion world.
Open Source Mentality in Design
Virgil Abloh's open source mentality in design is a significant theme throughout the podcast episode. His approach is likened to a sandbox where he encourages others to build on his ideas. The podcast reflects on how Virgil wanted fashion to be viewed as a playground for creativity, emphasizing the 3% design rule and the idea of making fashion more accessible and collaborative.
Criticism and Controversy
The latter part of the episode discusses the criticism and controversy surrounding Virgil Abloh, particularly in his later years. Topics include the lack of diversity at an off-white staff party, comments made post-George Floyd's murder, and concerns about pricing and luxury perceptions. The episode also touches on how societal shifts impacted perceptions of wealth and authenticity in the fashion industry.
The late Virgil Abloh’s legacy lives on. From luxury rap to high fashion, his influence changed an entire industry, and several other adjacent ones.
In this episode of Trapital, I’m joined by friend of the pod Zack O'Malley Greenburg. We broke down Virgil’s early years that shaped his future, his relationship with Kanye West, brands like Pyrex Vision, Off-White, his 3% rule, his open-sourced approach to business, his highs, lows, and so much more.
00:00 How Virgil entered the fashion world
07:44 Virgil’s influence on hip-hop and ‘luxury rap’