Virgil Abloh, a celebrated figure in the fashion world, was once again central to Paris Fashion Week, even posthumously. A significant exhibition, \"Virgil Abloh: The Codes,\" debuted on September 30 at the Grand Palais, showcasing over a thousand items from the designer's extensive archives. This collection, meticulously assembled by his close collaborators, Chloe and Mahfuz Sultan, offers a comprehensive look at his diverse creations.
The exhibition's opening coincided with what would have been Abloh's 45th birthday, attracting early morning queues of dedicated fans and members of his global creative network. Alongside the display, a series of panels organized by GQ in collaboration with the Virgil Abloh Archive provided a platform for discussions on his impact. A video produced by GQ captures the essence of the opening day, featuring tours led by Luka Sabbat and Tremaine Emory, who highlight key artifacts from Off-White traffic cones to Louis Vuitton accessories. Samuel Hine also explores the unique Colette installation and gift shop with its founder, Sarah Andelman.
Highlighting the event was Travis Scott, who led a "Happy Birthday" tribute to Abloh before participating in an "Archive Talk" with Martine Rose, moderated by GQ's Will Welch. Scott recalled designing T-shirts with Abloh via WhatsApp and shared a profound lesson from the designer: the belief that there are more than 24 hours in a day, reflecting Abloh's relentless drive. Welch also engaged in conversations with Chloe and Mahfuz Sultan, delving into the philosophy behind \"The Codes,\" and interviewed Beni B, the DJ responsible for the music at Abloh's Louis Vuitton shows. Further insights were provided by Leo Gamboa of Levi's and Arthur Kar, who discussed Abloh's connection to automotive design and creativity, all part of an exhibition that runs until October 9.
Virgil Abloh's retrospective beautifully illustrates how a single individual's innovative spirit can transcend conventional boundaries and inspire countless others. His dedication to pushing creative limits and fostering a collaborative environment serves as a powerful reminder that true visionaries leave an indelible mark not just through their creations, but through the communities they build and the enduring lessons they impart.