OFF-WHITE'S VIRGIL ABLOH TO DESIGN MEN'S WEAR AT LOUIS VUITTON

So it’s official – Off-White founder Virgil Abloh is the new men’s wear artistic director at Louis Vuitton. The red-hot designer succeeds Kim Jones, who was just named artistic director at Dior Homme, creating a major shake-up at the LVMH Group-owned brands. Abloh will unveil his first effort in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. For sure, Abloh is bound to stir things up at Louis Vuitton, one of the oldest, most prestigious and desirable brands in the luxe industry. “Having followed with great interest Virgil’s ascent since he worked with me at Fendi in 2006, I am thrilled to see how his innate creativity and disruptive approach have made him so relevant, not just in the world of fashion but in popular culture today. His sensibility towards luxury and savoir-faire will be instrumental in taking Louis Vuitton’s menswear into the future” said Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman & CEO. “It is an honor for me to accept the position of Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the House are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times,” stated Virgil Abloh. Abloh, who studied civil engineer and architect, is also a top-notch DJ and the Creative Director of Kanye West. He is among a crop of successful designers who is well grounded in the web culture, art, street fashion and luxury scenes. With typical far-sighted acumen, Antonia was one of the first retailers to support and carry the Off-White label, embracing Abloh’s forerunning vision and sensibility in seamlessly bonding the luxury scene and the hopping street-meets-pop culture. It’s not by chance that Off-White defines the gray area between black and white. Abloh launched Off-White in 2013, immediately generating hype and wooing top influencers and celeb types. The label’s logo of large diagonal stripes, in fact, quickly became a cult symbol among the young, cool generation. Made in Milan, Off-White favors seasonless pieces that are finely crafted using the best fabrics, fits and fabrications. The goal? To be a young brand embracing the now in a sophisticated manner.