The fashion and art worlds alike suffered an immense loss with the passing of designer Virgil Abloh back in November. While it seems as though his legacy is left within his designs, the true gift Abloh has left for the industry is the simple idea of kindness.
On November 28th, when the news of Abloh’s passing had first broken, many of his close friends and colleagues turned to social media to share their outpouring support for his family and loved ones.
As I scrolled through the posts, many things about Abloh were being praised. His creative genius behind Off-White and Louis Vuitton, his ability to innovate years ahead of his competitors, the list truly goes on. Writer and Head of Fashion for YouTube, Derek Blasburg, wrote in his tribute post, “he was a nice guy, the sort of guy who did ten jobs and still responded to your DM. Who’d work all day at the studio and then come to your party and DJ? Who’d receive flowers as a thank you, and then write a thank you note for the thank you flowers!”
Whether it’s a thank you note for your thank you note or uplifting smaller, independent artists, Virgil Abloh had kindness covered.
To many on the outside, kindness in the world of fashion is found few and far between. The reputation of coldhearted executives and exclusivity coursing through the veins of every brand haunts the industry. With high stakes comes high tensions. Overworked teams chasing to finish the next collection are burning on fumes by the time any looming deadline rolls around. Personalities clash, bosses dump their work onto their subordinates, and there’s an Abercrombie-esque horror story of terrible, discriminatory bosses every once in a while.
Not Virgil, however.
Starting the Post-Modern Scholarship Fund in August 2020, Abloh created a space where young Black designers and creatives could take their ideas from dream to reality, raising over $1 million and counting to do so. One member of the Off-White design team, a mentee of Abloh’s who spoke to Vogue when writing their obituary tribute, stated simply, “I owe so much to Virgil.”
People like Abloh simply make the industry move forward in the right direction. A more inclusive place where everyone has a chance. The smaller voices are heard just as often as, the larger ones. We make each other better out of open collaboration and provide opportunities for those who have the odds counted against them.
Whether you’re a streetwear fanatic who worshiped the designs Abloh released out into the world or merely knew of him simply because of the hype, Virgil Abloh will be remembered by all. We can only hope that the stories of his kindness will influence his peers to foster the same type of environment, opening the doors for talent that awaits.
If you want to help carry on the legacy of the Post-Modern Scholarship, please consider donating here. We also urge students to apply when the next cycle of applicants comes around.
Words by Olivia Hawkins.
Graphic by Emily Tobias.