Celebrating Virgil Abloh: A Tribute Exhibition in Paris
PARIS – The legacy of Virgil Abloh, a transformative figure in the fashion world, is being honored in a significant exhibition titled “Virgil Abloh: The Codes.” This event, which opens on what would have been Abloh’s 45th birthday, is not merely a showcase of fashion but a celebration of a life deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Paris.
A Home Beyond Fashion
Chloé Sultan, who co-curated the exhibition with her husband Mahfuz Sultan, emphasized that for Abloh, Paris was more than a fashion capital; it was home. “He cared deeply about Paris – not just as a fashion capital but as a city,” she stated. Abloh’s connections with local artists, musicians, and performers reflect his commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, showcasing a side of Paris that often goes unnoticed.
The exhibition spans two floors of the Grand Palais and is part of a larger 10-day tribute called “Virgil Abloh: World’s Fair.” Organized by the Virgil Abloh Archive, a division of Virgil Abloh Securities, the event aims to preserve and share Abloh’s creative vision. The exhibition is supported by Nike, a brand with which Abloh had a long-standing partnership, further highlighting the collaborative spirit that defined his career.
A Multifaceted Exhibition
“The Codes” features nearly 700 items from Abloh’s extensive personal archive, which includes over 20,000 cataloged objects ranging from fashion to music and art. This is the first time many of these items are being displayed to the public. Among the highlights is a meticulous reproduction of Abloh’s office at Louis Vuitton, where he made history as the first Black artistic director. His innovative approach not only revitalized the brand but also set a new standard for inclusivity in high fashion.
Shannon Abloh, Virgil’s widow, shared insights into his passion for archiving cultural history. “Virgil was a collector and physical archivist from a young age,” she noted. “The mission of the Virgil Abloh Archive is to keep his ideas alive.” However, this mission faces challenges, particularly following the sale of Off-White, the brand Abloh founded, which has since drifted from his original vision.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Sultan remarked that the exhibition is just one chapter in the ongoing narrative of Abloh’s legacy. “Virgil cared so much about his audience bringing their own point of view,” she said. The exhibition features a diverse array of items, including sneakers, bags, and digital blueprints, allowing visitors to engage with Abloh’s work in a multifaceted way.
DJ and radio host Benji B, who collaborated with Abloh on various projects, described the exhibition as a reflection of Abloh’s overarching vision. “What you see here is not someone who worked for different companies; it’s someone who had different companies as vehicles for his big picture vision,” he explained.
A Cultural Renaissance
The exhibition also features a revival of Colette, the iconic Parisian concept store co-founded by Sarah Andelman. Colette was known for blending streetwear with high fashion long before it became mainstream. The store is curating a gift shop for the exhibition, offering exclusive merchandise linked to Abloh’s work. Andelman recalled, “Even when he was doing a few t-shirts with Pyrex, he already had a vision for an empire.”
The multi-layered format of “World’s Fair” is emblematic of Abloh’s approach to creativity. “He wouldn’t limit himself to one community – he was too curious,” Andelman noted. The exhibition unfolds across various locations in Paris, reflecting Abloh’s belief in the power of collaboration and community.
Opening Doors for Future Generations
Andelman believes that Abloh’s true legacy lies in the opportunities he created for others. “He showed many that everything was possible,” she said. “You don’t need to study fashion in a classic way to become a creative director. You need to work hard, be curious, and stay open-minded.”
Before his passing, Abloh was involved in curating his own retrospective, “Figures of Speech,” which toured various cities and captured the breadth of his work. Sultan pointed out that while “Figures of Speech” was co-curated by Abloh himself, “The Codes” tells a different story through the lens of his archive, serving as both a time capsule and a portrait of his creative journey.
A Lasting Impact
The exhibition emphasizes the networks of collaboration and cultural currents that Abloh both drew from and amplified. Shannon Abloh remarked on the emotional connection people still feel towards her late husband. “His focus on building community and fostering belonging continues to be extremely powerful,” she said. “There continues to be a deep emotional need for this sort of real, authentic community-building in our cultural space.”
As “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” opens its doors to the public, it stands as a testament to a visionary who reshaped the landscape of fashion and culture. The exhibition runs from September 30 to October 9 at the Grand Palais, inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of Abloh’s life and work.
Conclusion
Virgil Abloh’s influence extends far beyond the realm of fashion. His commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and community-building resonates deeply within the cultural landscape. “The Codes” serves not only as a tribute to his legacy but also as an invitation for future generations to continue exploring the boundaries of creativity. As Paris celebrates Abloh’s life, it also reaffirms the city’s role as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and innovation.
