Off-White FW21 ‘Laboratory of Fun’
Haven Neiman
Off-White FW21
'Laboratory of Fun'
First established by powerhouse designer Virgil Abloh in 2013, Off-White ℅ Virgil Abloh’s journey in the streetwear world can only be described as legendary. Before the fashion label’s origin, the brand’s designer Virgil Abloh was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. Virgil Abloh grew up with a lifelong passion for fashion, art, and design and credited his fashion abilities to his seamstress mother. While pursuing his degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Abloh was rumored to have skipped his final critique to attend a meeting with rapper and designer Kanye West’s then-manager, John Monopoly. After graduating from college, Virgil began working with Kanye West while they interned together at Fendi in Rome in 2009. This was only the beginning of Abloh’s impact in the fashion world. Abloh’s relationship with West grew, being named the Creative Director of Donda, West’s creative agency. In 2013 was when Abloh went off to create a multi-platform creative endeavor known as Off-White.
The iconic streetwear label Off-White is primarily known for its industrial detailing placed on a selection of apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand combines elements of streetwear, luxury, music, travel, and art. With the brand’s name synonymous with ‘the gray area between black and white,’ Off-White’s aesthetic can be described as modern-day elevated streetwear whose graphics leave a long-lasting and impactful impression. Off-White incorporates a deconstruction attitude while capturing the streetwear scene’s identity, with significant design motifs including the iconic diagonal spray, yellow warning belts, and arrows.
The latest Fall/Winter 2021 delivery from Off-White ℅ Virgil Abloh, dubbed ‘Laboratory of Fun,’ features elevated apparel, accessories, and footwear. With the Off-White ℅ Virgil Abloh Out of Office Calf Leather, the sneakers feature late ‘80s and early ‘90s inspiration with the low-top silhouette incorporating basketball and running influences. The contrasting rubber outsole features translucent gel inserts, classic perforated toe vamps, and a ribbed heel. The design is complete with a stitched arrow motif on the lateral and a signature hangtag attached to the eyelets. The Calf Skin Quote Chain Wallet is decorated with premium calfskin leather, and signature branding is placed on the exterior, including the phrase ‘For Money.’ Inner and outer card slots provide function while the silver hardware chain link offer durability and protection to the entire design.
The collection is also inspired by the Italian Aritisté Caravaggio’s Baroque painting style while incorporating the signature Off-White concept. The Off-White ℅ Virgil Abloh Caravaggio Hand Over Crewneck incorporates screen-printed signature motifs interlaced throughout the silhouette of this luxury wear apparel item. The crewneck silhouette is composed of complete cotton for optimal breathability, while the screen-printed Off-White motif incorporates subtle Caravaggio inspiration within the design.
The collection is now available at our Calabasas and Chinatown location + online. Click here to shop the entire FW21 collection.