Everything Virgil Abloh did-from his work designing for Off-White and as Artistic Director for menswear at Louis Vuitton, to his forays into art, music, film, and design, to his collaborations with brands like Nike and IKEA-seemed irrepressibly democratic and forward-moving. It's a concept central to the new Brooklyn Museum edition of the touring exhibition "Virgil Abloh: 'Figures of Speech"", which opened on 1 July.
"Figures of Speech"", which debuted in Chicago in 2019 before travelling to Atlanta, Boston, and Doha, was originally conceived as a midcareer retrospective of Abloh's boundarybreaking oeuvre as an artist, designer, and creative polymath.
But following his untimely death from a rare form of cancer last November at the age of just 41, it now functions as a celebration of the work of a prolific creator who succeeded not just by bringing his own visions to life but by sharing the blueprint for others to do the same for themselves. Curated by Antwaun Sargent, the Brooklyn Museum iteration will feature items and artifacts arranged on tables instead of walls, and a new "social sculpture" for hosting talks-a literal and figurative manifestation of the sense of community Abloh strove to cultivate, where everyone was welcomed in.
This is how Abloh worked too. Ideas came from dozens of lively, freewheeling WhatsApp group chats. It was a system that not only provided an alternative to the tedium of meetings and emails but also seemed to push everyone around him to a freer creative place where no time zone was a barrier and anyone with a good idea was in. Many of these chats are still going-and ideas that have emerged from them continue to be realised: Both the Spring 2023 Louis Vuitton menswear and Off-White collections will feature Abloh's work, and a makeup launch, films, and other projects are also in the pipeline.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BEYOND BEACHES
Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.
DOWN TO EARTH
In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.
DO YOU FASHION, BRO?
As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.
CRUISING ALTITUDE
With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.
PUT A RING ON IT
Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.
PERFECTING TIME
With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.
HAUTE BIJOUX
The latest and most talked-about collections.
REPAIR REVOLUTION
Unlock your skin's potential.
LIKE SECOND SKIN
Arissa Ha speaks to Christine Nagel about Barénia, Hermès first ever chypre fragrance.