Virgil Abloh: Endless Inspiration
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The sudden passing of Virgil Abloh (M.ARCH. ’06), an Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture alumnus, on November 28, 2021, is deeply felt by the Mies van der Rohe Society and Illinois Tech community.
Abloh was an acclaimed artist who connected the worlds of art, fashion, architecture, and music; fusing classic design into contemporary style. Notably, he was the first African-American to be named artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton in 2018; was founder and chief executive officer of the fashion label, Off-White; and was creative director for Kayne West. His art exhibit, Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech”, premiered at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago in 2019, and is currently being shown across the world at Qatar Museums (Doha, Qatar).
“Studying architecture in Crown Hall had a lasting effect on my aesthetic. But not only my aesthetic. The sort of thought process that went into modernism, or an international style of architecture where one aesthetic can exist in different cultures.”
Abloh spoke often of his training at Illinois Tech and the influence of Mies van der Rohe and modernist design in his work. In an interview with Craig Berry, Abloh stated, “He (Mies)...has been the most impactful designer in regards to my personal aesthetic and way of thinking about modernism and rationalism.”
Mies and Abloh both shared an adoration for fashion. Mies’ modernist design theory was reflected in his wardrobe—straight lines, negative space, and minimal use of color. Abloh often used toned down color in his designs, then employing it in vibrant and playful ways.
Much like Mies, every structural detail of Abloh’s design has meaning.
Abloh’s legacy will inspire generations to come in the Illinois Tech community and the world.
Read more:
IIT College of Architecture: Remembering Virgil Abloh
One of Us (Set in S. R. Crown Hall and the Farnsworth House)
Mies van der Rohe’s influence on Virgil Abloh.
