Blamo! Robin Givhan on Make it Ours: how Virgil Abloh changed fashion
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Jul 7, 2025 
Robin Givhan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion editor and author, dives into the legacy of Virgil Abloh in her new book. She discusses Abloh’s revolutionary collaborative approach and how it reshaped the fashion landscape. The conversation touches on the emotional storytelling in design, the cultural significance of Japanese fashion, and the necessity of meaningful partnerships in branding. Givhan emphasizes optimism for the future of fashion, encouraging a reflective pause in the fast-paced industry.
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Criticism Should Target Work, Not Person
- Robin Givhan evaluates fashion by the work, not the person, and reads output in context of previous work and reception.
- She argues the best criticism respects designers by taking their work seriously rather than attacking them personally.
Logos Rewrote What Design Means
- Givhan observes the role of logos and branding reshaped what counts as design success today.
- She says designers now can be storytellers who give people means to express identity through logos rather than tailoring alone.
Classical Craft Is Becoming Niche
- Traditional, classically trained designers remain vital but have become a niche within the industry.
- Givhan worries that educational paths focused on classical craft now face diminished prestige and opportunity.
