Off-White FW21

‘Laboratory of Fun’

Virgil Abloh’s path in the fashion realm can not be described in any other word except for impactful. Before he grew to become a streetwear trailblazer, Abloh was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, by his mother, a seamstress. His mother’s impact early on could be considered the beginning of his love for clothing. Abloh received his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and rumor has it that he skipped his final critique to attend a meeting with Kanye West’s then-manager, John Monopoly. Whether the tale is true or not, the pair began working together once they became interns at Fendi in Rome in 2009. The team made a substantial impact, creating a new vibe of streetwear that is still popular. The collaboration of Abloh and West was only the beginning of Abloh’s career in the fashion industry. The relationship continued to grow as well as both their success, with Abloh eventually becoming named the Creative Director at Donda, West’s creative agency. One year later, Abloh art directed the album Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and West, which earned him a Grammy nomination.

After Abloh’s first brand Pyrex Vision’s shortly-lived lifespan, he created Off-White, a multi-platform creative endeavor. With fashion as the primary medium, the concept combines streetwear, luxury, music, travel, and art. Off-White’s namesake is described as “the grey area between black and white.” Off-White’s aesthetic can be described as modern-day streetwear whose graphics leave a long-lasting impression. The brand’s deconstructive attitude captures the streetwear scene at its core, with notable designs such as the iconic diagonal spray, zebra stripes, yellow warning belts, and one of its most recognizable design and brand elements, the arrows.

Off-White ℅ Virgil Abloh’s most recent Fall/Winter 2021-2022 collection intertwines the Italian Aristé Caravaggio’s Baroque painting style with the signature Off-White concept. Pieces throughout the collection include traces of the American industrial aesthetic while also incorporating inspiration from Caravaggio and the classic Off-White logo. The Caravaggio Arrow Hoodie comprises complete cotton that features the signature logo printed upon the upper-left chest. Although the classic Off-White arrow design is printed on the back, it features a slight twist: a Caravaggio painting. Along with the hoodie, Caravaggio makes its way over to the Caravaggio Painting Slim Sweatpant. The sweatpant’s most important attributes include the yellow tape accents along the left and the back, further intertwining the inspiration behind this collection.

This collection also includes special footwear, headwear, and accessories to complete the Off-White look, such as the Out of Office Calf Leather sneakers. The silhouette elevates the typical sneaker to one with premium fabrics and cushioning. Highlights of the sneakers include a leather constructed upper with stitched details throughout the exterior, complete with classic Off-White motifs such as the signature zip tie and stamped branding. With the Geometric Bucket Hat, Off-White’s signature aesthetics appear throughout the design. The hat offers perforated details that elevate breathability during wear, making it the perfect piece for transitioning into cooler weather. With the Abloh 3D Saff Fannypack, keep your belongings close while showing off the traditional Off-White branding.

The collection is now available at our Calabasas and Chinatown location + online. Click here to shop the entire FW21 collection.