INTERVIEW: Virgil Abloh

 

Since 2002, the influential American has been Kanye West's creative director and advisor on West's tour merchandise and label Yeezy. Abloh is also a DJ, architect, director and mastermind behind his own high-end men’s and womenswear brand Off-White. His clients include everyone from Justin Bieber to Beyoncé.

Where does beauty hide? We asked the stars whisperer.

“Beauty nowadays is all about culture, and defining yourself. I would describe the evolution of my own look like this: I grew up in the 90s, in Chicago and for 8 years I was totally into skateboarding and wore hoodies and Vans. My first strong image and icon was Michael Jordan. For my now defunct streetwear label Pyrex Vision, I printed ‘23’ (Jordan’s number) on flannels.

“I don’t know if I am a beauty person. I’m more about beautiful irony.”

Over the years I’ve been a huge fan and collector of Raf Simons, his work is art to me. It’s an obvious reflection in my collections now. For my new brand Off-White, it's all about urban culture, mixed with Antwerp fashion.

I don't know if I am a beauty person. I'm more about beautiful irony. Two unexpected things scratching together that say something else. That's beauty to me. If I could change one thing about myself? Then it would get all fucked up! So I’ll leave it as it is.”

Text by Elisabeth Clauss