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No Rules, Just Ablohisms: Virgil Abloh’s Vision of Play and Storytelling Transformed Fashion Forever

In honor of the late designer’s birthday, we reflect on how Virgil Abloh’s ability to channel childlike imagination redefined the fashion landscape.
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Portrait of Virgil Abloh Featured in Assouline's Louis Vuittion: Virgil Abloh.

For Virgil Abloh, fashion transcended mere fabric and form; it was a dynamic canvas for storytelling, a medium through which to reset perceptions and explore the dreams rooted in childhood. He coined the term “Boyhood Ideology,” envisioning balloons, kites, bouncy castles, and paper planes as symbols of opportunity and possibility. Central to his philosophy were his renowned “Ablohisms,” guiding principles that infused his life and creative direction with authenticity and innovation. 

Abloh’s tenure at Louis Vuitton, coupled with the global influence of his streetwear label, Off-White, blurred the boundaries between luxury and street culture in a way that felt both revolutionary and natural. The fashion world had long been waiting for Abloh. Abloh’s belief that “limitations are man-made” resonated throughout his work, encouraging us to imagine a world where the wildest dreams of every person could become a reality.

In homage to the late visionary, we delve into moments of Abloh’s career, exploring how his childlike wonder and narrative-driven vision created unforgettable moments in fashion.


Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer Menswear 2019 Runway

Abloh's debut at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2019 show was a transformative moment in fashion, blending playfulness with cultural significance. The runway featured a gradient of rainbow colors, symbolizing diversity while showcasing his vision of fashion as a universal language. Surrounding this vibrant display were 700 design students in “Not Home” T-shirts, a nod to The Wizard of Oz that reflected Abloh's commitment to making luxury accessible to a new generation.

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer Menswear 2019 Runway Courtesy of Getty Images

 Off-White Spring/Summer 2018: An Homage to Princess Diana

Virgil Abloh’s Off-White Spring/Summer 2018 collection paid tribute to Princess Diana, merging royal sophistication with streetwear energy. In honor of the 20th anniversary of her death, Abloh selected her as his muse, highlighting her individuality and style that challenged royal norms. Presented during Paris Fashion Week under the title “Natural Women,” the collection featured 40 looks that reinterpreted Diana’s iconic wardrobe with modern elements like biker shorts and collaborations with Jimmy Choo, while also incorporating classic signatures such as pearl strings and polka dots. Clutch bags adorned with magazine names chronicling Diana's life emphasized her enduring legacy, showcasing Abloh’s talent for blending disparate worlds and reinforcing fashion's role as a powerful medium for storytelling across generations.

Off White Spring/Summer 2018 Runway/ Courtesy of Getty Images

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter Menswear 2020

Virgil Abloh's Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2020 collection highlighted his imagination, prominently featuring the now-iconic "cloud suit." Models walked a runway adorned with dreamy, cloud-filled skies, immersing the audience in a surreal dreamscape of oversized trees and sky-inspired color palette. Abloh redefined male dress codes through practical designs and innovative interpretations of the business suit, blending traditional elements with contemporary features like ergonomic bags and conceptual leather body braces. This collection encapsulated Abloh's philosophy of fashion as an escape into fantasy, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that exists beyond everyday life. This sentiment was symbolically reinforced by a Louis Vuitton clock gifted to guests, set to run backward to encourage them to cherish each moment and embrace their dreams.

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter Menswear 2020 Runway /Courtesy of Getty Images

“Zoooom with Friends” Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2021

Virgil Abloh's "Zoooom with Friends" campaign for Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2021 menswear collection celebrated his childhood love of cartoons. Created with Reggieknow and scored by The Sa-Ra Creative Partners, the animated short film introduces a vibrant cast of whimsical characters embarking on a global adventure, starting from Louis Vuitton's historic home in Asnières and traveling down the Seine by barge. Through this playful narrative, Abloh sought to express joy and blur the lines between reality and imagination, crafting a fantastical story that unfolded during Paris Fashion Week.

Left :Assouline's Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh Book featuring the Louis Vuitton Lion from "Zoooom with Friends" campaign / Photo by Assouline. Right: Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2021 Menswear Runway /Courtesy of Getty Images

 Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter Menswear 2021

Virgil Abloh's Fall/Winter 2021 collection for Louis Vuitton weaves play and narrative into fashion, reflecting his artistic philosophy. Inspired by Mies van der Rohe's architectural prowess, Abloh crafted a striking presentation space to explore identity through clothing. Key pieces like the "Paris Skyline Puffer Jacket" and the "New York City Skyline Puffer Jacket" transform recognizable cityscapes into wearable art, embodying urban fluidity and the freedom to navigate one's environment. Grounded in James Baldwin's essay "Stranger in the Village," the collection enhances this exploration of belonging and the perception of the 'other.' 

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter Menswear 2021 Runway /Courtesy of Getty Images

Virgil Abloh’s legacy challenges us to rethink the boundaries of fashion and creativity. His distinct vision will inspire future generations to explore their own narratives in the world of fashion.


Discover Louis Vuitton Titles

The Classics Collection Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh (Classic Cartoon Cover)
Regular price
$140
The Classics Collection Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh (Classic Balloon Cover)
Regular price
$140
Louis Vuitton Collection Louis Vuitton Skin: Architecture of Luxury (Singapore Edition)
Regular price
$160
The Classics Collection Louis Vuitton Manufactures
Regular price
$140

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