Virgil Abloh Explains Why Streetwear Is an Art Movement
Vložit
- čas přidán 1. 02. 2018
- HYPEBEAST Magazine Issue 20: The X Issue, prominently featured Virgil Abloh on the cover. Arguably the most important figure in streetwear today, Abloh sat down with us for our DIARIES series to talk more in-depth on the current state of streetwear, comparing it to an art movement where “essentially I’m just an assistant to the people that came before me trying to add to go forward for the next generation.”
The Off-White™ designer and architect says, “more than anything I feel like I’m a descendant of everyone from Kanye West to Pharrell Williams to Basquiat or Warhol,” when asked about he labels himself. In terms of the bigger picture for streetwear, Virgil says he doesn’t want the larger fashion community and ecosystem to view it just as a trend that comes and goes - streetwear as an art movement that inspires other industries hasn’t been realized yet but it has started to show. Most importantly, Abloh says it’s important for him to stay true to himself, wearing Jordans and a T-shirt to the Met Gala and playing Migos at his fashion show.
You can listen to the rest of the interview above and check out the full spread in Issue 20 of HYPEBEAST Magazine. Be sure to keep an eye peeled for our full Virgil Abloh documentary coming soon.
that’s the body text
For up-to-date news and more: HYPEBEAST.com
View more HYPEBEAST videos: / hypebeasttv
Stay connected with us on your favorite social media platform:
/ hypebeast
/ hypebeast
TUMBLR.com/tagged/hypebeast
/ hypebeast
/ hypebeast
Rest In Peace Virgil Abloh ❤️🙏🏽.
'The idea is that if it's been done before, you want to refresh it just enough so it is engaging, yet recognizable. Learn to think freely but then also analyze your work and understand why it resonates, so future work is based on the analysis plus that creative spark. For me it has to have a rationale - design is just designed, and it just sits on the table, but if there's a rationale or thought process behind it, then to me, it is valuable, so you know that's just how I think."
- Virgil Abloh
This quote right here has helped me thru so many creative blocks and self doubts, not only as a designer, but as a human being also.
Rest In Peace, Virgil. May your legacy and success live on forever.
I feel bad for Virgil because he really seems to be in it for the art but the people that buy his stuff are blind consumers buying for hype
not to be rude but I think that's some of the point of Virgil's work
He knows wtf he's doing
people forget before ow he had pyrex and been trill... both got called out for being non authentic just in it for the money type of deals. the truth is no one knows if he is talking the truth about doing it for the culture and the art or if he is just saying that so he doesn't fail again like he did with pyrex and been trill
Morjan Coffee he’s a label maker
Jason Key what does that mean?
As a graphic/advertising Designer, Anything this guy creates I support. Architecture, graphic design art and fashion design go hand and hand.
Agreed...I'm already in the process of creating my creative venture. Any reference to your work? I'm in need of graphic design and web development for my vision.
what about jazz?
MANIPULATION!
advertising Designer or Communication Designer?
People clown on Off White but Virgil is actually really interesting and has a lot of cool ideas.
@Tiara Hall You are speaking the language of the gods
>cool ideas
naah
Tiara Hall off white is pure creativity and pure god and goddess
Lame and lazy, same shoe with a 3% difference
Less is more
The more I study him the more I change the way I view fashion and art, this man is a genius!
Literally!
Off White is technically a designer brand , its not a streetwear brand . It takes ideas from streetwear and clashes both worlds. In that sense the price is justified . The brand itself also attracts both audiences so those who are into streetwear and not necessarily designer brands
This is a fair argument but then do you think it deserves the level of respect as high fashion when these students spend years in school learning their craft including pattern cutting, sewing... and look further into depth of meaning of clothing itself. In high fashion it’s like there’s a collection of ideas channelled to tell a story, whereas this seems a bit fast fashion- less thought and less of a story.
Do you not think streetwear is almost an education into the world of high fashion. Do you see in his collections the two meeting or do you see him becoming less streetwear and more high fashion
William Walsh off white is trash nothing original. It's only original to young impressionable street wear hypbeast audience who are just being introduced to this crap. Most haven't been into fashion for years and cant tell the difference between original true fashion house aesthetics and off white. Ps Pyrex was trash af too.
yes virgl has a masters in architecture. He has gone through the art school process. he's an architect that uses fabric as a medium. he even mentions art history in this interview.
Steve Walters lol how does that justify poorly designed menswear and womenswear that copies other brands
I always love learning about Virgil and his ethos, I soak it up and I find kinship in what he says here in how I begin my trek thru streetwear designing myself... I come from a punk, weirdo, abstract, artsy, tv kid background and all of that informs my design elements. LOve this!
No one at Hypebeast had a mic for Virgil?? looks like the camera is close on Virgil, but sounds like he's recording from across the room.
Sounds retro it adds to the scene of how they are laying out the interview
Great, great - spit out those keywords ...
conversation, "space", statement, "space", quotes, "space"
information, "space", having a dialogue, "space", community, "space", ethos, "space",
"NEW space", sharing, "space", my work, "space', collectively, "space", my ideas, "skate shop", my brain is a pie chart ...
Thanks for interesting comment :-) "....... " so funny but seems to summarize his ideas :-) What do you think Virgil's design will look like as Louis Vuitton creative director?
Thanks. I didn't hear about that, but that sounds like a good gig for Virgil. I think he'll be able to nut it out so that he can rationalise his final concept verbally, but I hope that it'll be different, and not using the Off-White-like orange/black line street design ideas. It'll end up being successful, as with Gucci fakes, there is a lot of demand for Luxury branding wrapped up in streetwear fashion - particularly, rich kids will be happily paying through the nose for that stuff, as we have already seen. Though I hope Virgil pulls out a few tasteful and more conservative looking items - I think this approach helps the brand to better sell itself. Louis Vuitton doesn't need to shout in my opinion.
Fendy1 okay thanks again for interesting viewpoint. I thought you would have good answer since your username is Fendi :-) I find it fascinating how luxury goods have merged with street wear. I think Virgil's LV show will be in June... so looking forward to seeing what he does. Blessings
"You know.."
Giannos Arzinos god damnit
No, Virgil. We don't know.
when you're not as articulate as you think or try to be..... ..you know, its like ..you know...
"Sort of"
@sinaloa suarez how do you know hes "ghetto" he has an engineering degree and went to private school.......please explain
Abloh is very clever and articulate. I'm so glad that I watched this insightful video.
So humble..so shy..that’s why the lord continues to bless him.
Such an inspiration, long live virgil
Thank you Virgil Abloh for everythibg that you have done for us❤ for this generation❤ for your exceptional and revolutionary work of art❤ you have influenced me and so many of my generation. For ever grateful. I'm so sad💔 rest in peace Virgil🙏🕊❤ you will remain a true culture icon
I AM GIVING THIS POSITIVE ENERGY TO THE UNIVERSE. YOU CAN BECOME ANYTHING YOU DECIDE TO BE. BELIEVE THAT. I decided I WANT TO BE MY GENERATIONS VIRGIL/DIRAND
Immer Paiz you got a brand? You doing anything to better your design skills? Best of luck.
I decided I wanted to be a producer/artist on the level on Kanye. Been making beat's for 2 years now, been in school for audio engineering for the past 3 months, gearing up to go public with my brand in a few months. Where are you on your journey? Perhaps we'll be collaborators someday.
I will be this generations Kanye when it comes to fashion, we can collab when we both get big :)!
What are all of you'll igs if any?
We can
Streetwear is quite perplexing. Even though it mostly appear like an amalgamation of urban subcultres or realities, it also seems to have a singular notion. To me it's quite post modern and subversive, though also defined by simplicity, coherence and pastimes. It may well just be an echo of that innate urge to rebel and to own your identity, as well as relate to others living similar struggles. Granted, I think its popularity ebbs and flows with time - I can remember around 4-5 years ago, likely at its trough where I really didn't care all that much about what I wore. Also in this light though it does attempt to champion poltiical movements or logical ethos's, it is somewhat sporadic and chaotic, and any cultural artefact both highly contignent upon history, current circumstances and our inherent ability to even think and project critically and empirically. It's also to a great degree spearheaded by young people, who likely have a persistent set of whims and values. The question is how does one create then for the future like virgil abloh? I suppose being in the right place, around the right stimuli and mentors... but also to beleive in oneselfs ability to say where we are going, like Andy Warhol or Jean Paul Sartre before him. Fashion is certainly quite fickle, sexually driven and often employed as an expression of status and wealth, it is also one of the only forefronts of invention that we have, especially in a world where so much has already been invented or discovered or innovated.Sure, arts seems to ask of us differently then does sceince or politics, and it too has extremely high expectations upon the individual. I haven't yet discovered how to live without wanting to partake in it, and though most outlets don't result in any means of surviving, and I am constantly questioning my abilities to compete with the greatest among us I will want to take part in culture and design futurisms for as long as I live.
wow
Amazing! Well put!
i admire Virgil's work with a passion, i will make it a goal to be able to be able to cop everything i like from Virgil. Not in it for the hype, i admire his work. i get made fun of for liking his work. me, personally thinks its dope as ell, despite what others think...
This guy always has a great break down of his movement and a side of design I wouldn’t mind being in or following keep grow guy!!!!
Good luck with LV! Congrats!
Although the interview was a feast of "you know" and "sort of" , but you know it was sort of really helpful interview to know this interesting designer. LOL
You are a legend of the fashion and design world
This is an amazing interview, he's a genius.
Rest in Power, king. You'll never be forgotten
Virgil Abloh Mad Passionate About he's work!
He always creates something different to an everyday item that you can just buy anywhere, it contains details and creativity that’s uniquely, well, you know “off-white”
"YOU KNOW"
"Sort of"
Andrew Tieu I
I just think that streetwear as a concept is about innovation and filling in gaps that previous subcultures forgot. It's about building on what came before you and providing a new point of view. It's so easy to explain but also impossible to explain all at the same time
This man is incredible !
“You knowww” Nah we don’t
I "DON'T" read the comments on hypebeast but im really interested in them, its a community you know, i can see the comments before they are there, .....sure thing son
also the mic/soundquality ya, its an in-depth in the moment interview yall really rough and edgy you know, putting "IDEAS" out there and being "CREATIVE"
Rest in peace you fucking legend.
Rest well Virg, you’ll be missed bro 🇬🇭 🌍🖤
Off-white women's line is incredible whoever is behind that and team deserves all the credit Virgil gets his men's line is nothing creative it's just screen printing on tees and hoodie it's not trash but it's not creative or fashion forward
Thanks for interesting comment :-) May I ask you what you like about Off White's women's line? I have not seen it yet. Also what do you think Virgil's design will look like as Louis Vuitton creative director? Blessings.
Look through the men’s clothes properly ,the more popular clothes are obviously going to be the most well known
C’mon hypebeast. Throw a lav mic on him. This interview is almost un-listenable because of the garbage audio.
So true. They have one of the most interesting fashion designers on and ruin the interview with such a shitty audio
right? nose breather
Caulin Tanner 😂😂😂
Forr real, you can hear the hair in the cameraman's nostrils at a certain point, lol. wtf!
think maybe you got garbage speakers.
Legendary RIP Virgil 🙏
An innovator of the new wave to define fashion
Joe marshall rookie 😂
Tealtown 408 ‘An innovator’, not the one innovator or the innovator, he is an innovator along with, Samuel Ross, Tyler the creator, Kevin Ma and etc. Nor did I say he was the OG, thy would be Nigo, Pharell, Baque, Fujuwara, Stussy, Rick Klotz, Jebbia and so on.
Joe marshall innovation where? He’s doing what raf was doing in the early 2000s and what denma was doing in 2013
Joe marshall bruh “baque?” Tyler the creator? Lol you gotta be joking
i find it kinda weird that a guy who is that much into street creation wear such normal clothes
Adraps sometimes when you're a true artist, you love seeing it on other people rather than yourself.
Ikr
its their vision that matters tbh
Most designers dress much simpler than what they create. I mean look at Alexander McQueen, especially when he was bigger or Alessandro Michele of Gucci.
Adraps designers never sleep they are always working.. his bank account is VERY DESIGNER.
Rest In Peace Virgil Abloh. I wish I could have met you 💕
Hypebeast love Virgil Abloh way too much haha.
Much respect to this man I love his designs but it would be nice to make “street wear” that’s more affordable for the average person. It doesn’t make sense to me for street wear to be priced at high end LV & Versace level if I have LV money then I’m buying LV not a “street wear” tee shirt or hat for $300 from OW or one pair of socks for $50. Virgil remember that a lot the ppl that want to wear your designs aren’t rich & struggle to be able to afford one of your pieces, think of the working guy that likes your designs & is into fashion but is on a budget thanks
He directly acknowledges this issue with his newer, lower-priced lineup - "for all". Also, a case could be made that for something to be considered true "street-wear", it needs to come with a higher price, especially hypebeast brands like OW. People wouldn't want supreme if it were $10 a tee.
He sells out all collections at high fashion price points. They'll only go up he's smart as hell rich forever Virgil
if it was cheaper more ppl would have access to it, then it would fall off because nobody wants something everyone can have. getting your hands on some off white feels like a accomplishment but if it was cheap then the exclusivity goes down. Either save up for some or just buy something else.
He's about to release a brand or collection that is more affordable. It's similar to off-white, but doesn't use the same fabrics or designs, however similar. You can look it up for more details.
Save your money then broke boi
Nice, i’ll try to cop those Aj1’s
I love this video.
I would deadass saves these vids as motivation bro I’m hurt
“🐐”
His sneakers are the best part of his designs.
Thanks for interesting observation :-) what do you think Virgil's designs will look like as new Louis Vuitton creative director? Blessings.
Off white , is when streetwear meets those of high taste of clothing (what we call designer) and create a hip look or better yet a look that would appeal to a younger audience.
I don’t understand when he talks but he has a great team
" VIRGIL ABLOH "
rest in power❤️
I loved his vision on his craft and he perfected it. Tourist vs purist is the best example all of you guys saying blind costumers those are the tourist he refers to.
Rest In Peace Virgil Abloh
thanks
Men😢💔. Such a soul. 🕊
Brilliant guy
rip ❤ my goat i love you
Audio iffy
this video is a pov: you 10 y/o listening to ur dad and his friend talk about work
You know... I liked this interview.. You know
He’s Adorable 😻
GOD BLESS YOU VIRGIL
Yeah. Streetwear is an art! Designing your own clothes need a real talent 🤟🏻
We now "know"
He and Kanye are kindred spirits for sure.
R.I.P. legend🙏
rest easy king.
"YOU KNOW' lmaooooo I would of TOLD HIM I DON'T KNOW
Amen
Inspirational talk
Take something that's already there and connect
King Virgil ..
Man I was talked about for writing on my jeans an customizing them in my vans man kinda pissed off
Super cool 😎
rest in peace king❤️
“Alright I gotta dip” LMAOOO
Please read the questions out in interviews. It's annoying having to pause and read when it's on in the background.
Streetwear is like Skywalker...
Boy, urra revolutionary 😎
First time I’ve heard his voice
🕯
His voice
Rip legend
🕊❤️
Now to keep staring at awe at the clothes I cannot afford😭
Tbh I’m actually glad that someone as humble as Virgil got to be such a big designer, makes me believe that anyone can break through the glass ceilings that society has set 🙌🏾
Shash J rookie😂
Just buy one piece at a time hold it or trade that's how I got into Supreme but I bought it from skaters way back
R.I.P A GOAT👼🏾👼🏾👼🏾✨
The boss.
R.I.P Virgil
People who know how to dress themselves would go with simple stuff like demin, plain t shirt, that is what Virgil does. And people do not how to dress themselve would go with big brands with a huge logo/pattern on their clothes in the hope that people think that they are trendy.
Nathan Tang that’s stupid. Off white tees and and clothing screams off white like loud. Wearing something from them you are saying look at me I’m wearing off white in a room with a mic and bass turned up and the speakers are in the faces of the audience
shamir fisher Hypebeasts have no individual style. Label chasers.
Lol that's stupid
That doesnt make any sense
Actuallly tho, people who know how to dress don't restrict themselves to any set rules of fashion or boundaries.
RIP to the 🐐
What's so great about the clothes?
“You Known”
"sort of"
Virgil took the game by storm came from helping over build brands to building his own empire OFF White is the future mark my words.
meh
a true genius of our generation
Rip to the goat
🎨
🕊🕊🕊
if off white were to lower their prices it would just be another supreme in my opinion and maybe the hype behind it would dissipate
successful creative scholar
raiding people´s cultures is not creative
rip 🥺💔