Image: Getty
He’s gone from strength to strength since he founded his first label in 2013, and now the life and works of Virgil Abloh are set to be celebrated in a new showcase. “Figures of Speech” is the aptly named exhibition that will showcase the vast range and creative talent of the US-born designer, with the retrospective due to run from June 8, 2019 for six weeks, the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art has announced.
“We’re very interested in art participants that are very broad and multidisciplinary. He fits that mould that doesn’t fit boundaries and is exploring all these different fields,” Michael Darling, the museum’s chief curator, told WWD. This is certainly true of Abloh; having been appointed the artistic director of Louis Vuitton earlier this year, the civil engineering graduate began his career working as Kayne West’s creative director whilst completing a master’s degree in architecture. Known to be an avid collaborator, the Chicago native has also worked with numerous other brands including Nike, Moncler, Jimmy Choo, Levi’s, and VLONE, whilst also launching his own luxury street-wear label, Off White, in 2013.
“Virgil has helped us recognize how fashion has become a central hub for contemporary culture. It seems like art, music and design flows through fashion,” Darling said. The exhibit will celebrate the American-Ghanaian’s expansive career and creations, encompassing his achievements in fashion, furniture, and architectural efforts, including his work with Ikea and his ventures into painting and design. Darling also confirmed that Abloh’s music will be included and “will come out in terms of graphic design he’s done for musicians over the years and musicians wearing his clothes.” It has also been revealed that Virgil will also design some never-before-seen objects and apparel for the exhibition.
Having achieved so much at young age, it is clear that the 37-year-old wants his success to resonate with the youth of day. “The core of Abloh’s work is a deep interest in empowering young people, and this will be central to the exhibition, with a full program of youth-oriented programming and cross-disciplinary offerings that mirror the artist’s wide range of interests,” stated the Museum of Contemporary Art. We can’t wait to see what the showcase holds.
Now Read: Style File: A Look at Zayn Malik’s Kaleidoscopic Hair Evolution
