Virgil Abloh
After recently being named the creative director for Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh has risen to one of the biggest names in fashion. Known for his brands Pyrex and Off White, he has helped bring streetwear in to the designer forefront. Abloh has always paid homage to his Chicago roots (from Rockford, Illinois), and collaborated many times with Kanye West (also from Chicago). He decided to bring his creative experience to the city through an art exhibit, a Nike installation, and a Louis Vuitton pop-up.
Over the past few years, Abloh's Off White brand has made multiple collaborations with the Nike brand. Shoes and clothes that can run well over $1000. His most recent installation was an opportunity to purchase some of this merchandise, as well as facilitate people's own creativity. The Nike Lab also serves as a platform to give back to the community and encourages people to donate shoes to local schools at provided facilities. Overall, I felt the experience was underwhelming. A lot smaller than I had imagined, and not as fun as advertised. The drawing area was disorganized, and seemed to confuse people as what they were supposed to do. The staff was more there to sell you product, and less about educating and enhancing the pop-up. Took less than 10minutes to go through, and was disappointing.
Abloh's exhibit in the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on the other hand was very cool. The installation ("Figures of Speech") highlighted specific people and events that inspired the artist, providing insight into his creative direction. It also followed his journey and how he grew into the superstar he is today. I enjoyed learning about his collaborations, and how he came up with his infamous, bold designs. As someone who has always loved streetwear and the sneaker culture I had a lot of fun. "Figures of Speech" was complimented with some of his art, music, and personal interviews. At the end of the tour, you were able to purchase some of his merchandise. Although I felt there were some beautiful pieces, $150 for a t-shirt is not quite in my budget; window shopping still was enjoyable.
Unlike the other two, the Louis Vuitton pop-up was a bit of a surprise; hence the phrase "pop-up". A giant building, covered in orange paint and filled with orange mannequins of all sizes. It was very artsy, and a blogger heaven. It was more of a place to take pictures, and relish in Abloh's achievement. We were also able to get a glimpse at the upcoming seasons fashion line, and allowed opportunity at early purchase. Similar to the MCA gift shop, this was a look don't touch moment for me. Plus, I'm not a big Louis Vuitton wearer.
As none of these are available anymore, I don't feel it necessary to provide ratings or addresses. Just wanted to share my experience and reflect on an artist I truly respect. I am glad to be in a city that gives me opportunity to enjoy moments like this.
Over the past few years, Abloh's Off White brand has made multiple collaborations with the Nike brand. Shoes and clothes that can run well over $1000. His most recent installation was an opportunity to purchase some of this merchandise, as well as facilitate people's own creativity. The Nike Lab also serves as a platform to give back to the community and encourages people to donate shoes to local schools at provided facilities. Overall, I felt the experience was underwhelming. A lot smaller than I had imagined, and not as fun as advertised. The drawing area was disorganized, and seemed to confuse people as what they were supposed to do. The staff was more there to sell you product, and less about educating and enhancing the pop-up. Took less than 10minutes to go through, and was disappointing.
Abloh's exhibit in the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on the other hand was very cool. The installation ("Figures of Speech") highlighted specific people and events that inspired the artist, providing insight into his creative direction. It also followed his journey and how he grew into the superstar he is today. I enjoyed learning about his collaborations, and how he came up with his infamous, bold designs. As someone who has always loved streetwear and the sneaker culture I had a lot of fun. "Figures of Speech" was complimented with some of his art, music, and personal interviews. At the end of the tour, you were able to purchase some of his merchandise. Although I felt there were some beautiful pieces, $150 for a t-shirt is not quite in my budget; window shopping still was enjoyable.
Unlike the other two, the Louis Vuitton pop-up was a bit of a surprise; hence the phrase "pop-up". A giant building, covered in orange paint and filled with orange mannequins of all sizes. It was very artsy, and a blogger heaven. It was more of a place to take pictures, and relish in Abloh's achievement. We were also able to get a glimpse at the upcoming seasons fashion line, and allowed opportunity at early purchase. Similar to the MCA gift shop, this was a look don't touch moment for me. Plus, I'm not a big Louis Vuitton wearer.
As none of these are available anymore, I don't feel it necessary to provide ratings or addresses. Just wanted to share my experience and reflect on an artist I truly respect. I am glad to be in a city that gives me opportunity to enjoy moments like this.
Nike Lab
"Figures of Speech" at the MCA
Louis Vuitton pop-up
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