At Off-White’s fall 2022 show on Feb. 28 in Paris, an all-star cast of talent took the runway to honour late founder Virgil Abloh. Models paraded down the catwalk in a mix of ethereal, mourning-inspired designs that paid homage to Abloh’s life and career.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell closed the show in a long buttonless black coat, blue velour pants and a black top hat; tennis legend Serena Williams modelled a gray deconstructed tie-dye mesh midi dress; Kendall Jenner walked in a strapless sequin mini with Abloh’s signature inscription reading “Little Black Dress”; Adut Akech rocked a fluid embellished purple gown; Bella Hadid donned a voluminous train gown with puff sleeves and a sweetheart neckline; and Cindy Crawford modelled a black crop silk lapel blazer worn over a tiered tulle skirt, while holding a handbag that read “More Life.”
Aptly called “Spaceship Earth: an Imaginary Experience,” the show commemorates a man whose accomplishments as Louis Vuitton’s creative director, a DJ, an architect and creative collaborator, felt out of this world. It also marked the debut of a new haute couture line, executing Abloh’s vision for Off-White’s eventual foray into wearable couture.
When he passed away last November, many celebrities, including those who walked the runway, acknowledged the multi-hyphenate’s outsize impact on fashion, music and design on social media. The Off-White show is the third in a series of physical tributes to Abloh, the first two executed by Louis Vuitton in Miami and Paris.
A host of celebrities and high-profile industry leaders also attended the special celebration, most notably Rihanna who wore an Off-White leather minidress from the spring collection. Pharrell Williams, Idris Elba and Anna Wintour were among the star-studded crowd. Ahead, appreciate some of the looks, and see the celebrities who joined to pay homage to the one and only Virgil Abloh.
