Louis Vuitton Recruits Virgil Abloh as Artistic Director of Menswear in 2018

Finger, Gesture, Hand, Sign language, Thumb,

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 26 March 2018

Louis Vuitton has announced today that Virgil Abloh is joining the brand as its new Artistic Director of Menswear.

Hair, Hairstyle, Beauty, Eyebrow, Long hair, Black hair, Blond, Lip, Human, Hair coloring,

Kim Kardashian Has a Louis Vuitton Snake

Abloh is the founder of Off-White, and is also Kanye West's Creative Director and longtime collaborator. West and Abloh also interned together at Fendi in 2006.

Abloh is set to show his first collection for Louis Vuitton during Men's Fashion Week in Paris in June.

.@VirgilAbloh joins #LouisVuittonLouis Vuitton is delighted to welcome Virgil Abloh as its new Men’s Artistic Director. His first show will take place in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. pic.twitter.com/4aEOH7T9J8March 26, 2018

In a statement regarding Abloh's new role, CEO of Louis Vuitton, Michael Burke, said (via WWD):

"Having followed with great interest Virgil’s ascent since he worked with me at Fendi in 2006, I am thrilled to see how his innate creativity and disruptive approach have made him so relevant, not just in the world of fashion but in popular culture today. His sensibility towards luxury and savoir-faire will be instrumental in taking Louis Vuitton’s menswear into the future.

Of his new role with Louis Vuitton, Abloh said (via WWD), "It is an honor for me to accept the position of men’s artistic director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the house are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times."

Audio equipment, Microphone, Elbow, Standing, Entertainment, Music, Performing arts, Music artist, Artist, Singing,

Kanye West Responds to Yeezy Critics

According to Bloomberg, "While Abloh has kept quiet regarding his work for West, he rose to prominence in the fashion industry as a consultant for the rapper," advising and collaborating with him on Yeezy, as well as music releases.

Speaking to The Guardian in March 2018, Abloh said of his Off-White label, "My brand started in the streets and the alleys of the internet–I come from a different school of thought about clothing. I understand people see it as fashion. To me, this is an art practice."

Sleeve, Textile, Style, Pattern, Fashion, Street fashion, Natural material, Fur, Fashion model, Animal product,

See Every Look from the Yeezy Season 5 Show

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.