Loic Prigent! Je viens de voir ton dernier video sur le prix LVMH...avec des extraits videos de Virgil. Ça m'a tellement émue...tu as vraiment réussi a capturé la gentillesse, la générosité et la bonté de cette homme! Quel inspiration! R.I.P Virgil Abloh
In 2018, when Virgil was working on his first collection for LV, he got his hands on a t shirt I made, and took it to the Siege LV design studio in Paris and posted a photo of it to his story. At the time, I was an 18 year old kid making streetwear pieces and cut & sew here and there. Virgil putting my shirt in a space like that was showing me what was possible for myself before I could even imagine it. I’m forever grateful for Virgil for small moments like this that mean so much to fashion design kids like me.
I’m one of those 20 year old kids (actually 18) that wouldn’t be in this comment section right now without Virgil ! Two years ago we had to make a presentation on a designer and I made this entire project on Virgil without opening a web page once, I LOVED HIM. HE IS THE REASON I HAVE A SEWING MACHINE AND STARTED MY ENDEAVORS WITH CLOTHES. Thank you for moving my tears to joy after they have been filled with sadness these past few days THANK YOU BLISS! YOUR WORK IS AMAZING! I have only known and been watching your videos the past two years, BUT MAN YOU DID SO MUCH FOR ME. OPENED MY EYES TO SO MUCH, AND YOU GAVE ME MORE FASHION KNOWLEDGE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE. LASTLY MY DREAM WAS ALWAYS FOR JUST ONE CONVERSATION WITH VIRGIL, I NOW KNOW I CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH HIM THROUGH EACH PERSON HE ENCOURAGED.
Virgil retweeted and liked a photo of mine thanking him for bringing his art exhibition to Atlanta... I felt seen in a time where I was invisible... Where not even my friends would acknowledge me, Virgil saw me. He inspired me to reach his level... I used to walk around my house like a runway model after I saw his first collection with LV in 2018. I was in bed waking up super late during the day and as soon as I got on IG, I'm seeing all of these posts of people at a runway show in Paris... I didn't even know fashion week was happening. I watched the entire replay of the show on LV's IG. I screenshotted the iconic moment of Kanye and Virgil. I recognized a plethora of black and brown faces who I knew distinctly as artists, skateboarders or musicians that I admired. I saw clothes that I coveted. Who would acknowledge dirty street kids and artists? Virgil would... I had a deep profound respect for the man after than... A year or so later, in 2020 I saw hundreds of black, brown and white people in Virgil's exhibit. Hood niggas, college students, Moms, Kids... The list goes on. I could type forever but in closing, seeing Chief Keef on the wall in the High museum wearing a Supreme shirt and seeing how he and Virgil put on for their city was touching... I'm just a nobody I feel like... But Virgil gave me access. And I've never even touched his hand. Thank you so much Mr. Abloh, you'll see God. ❤
"he was nice to me"..Thats is to me the most impressive of his great accomplishment. Listening to all of the testaments given by those who knew him and interacted him that is high point of his great legacy.
Virgil is literally the reason why I chose art to be my path in life. I always knew I had that artistic spark in me but I wasn’t sure if I was worthy enough to be able to per-sue it because I attached a “1 in a million” connotation to it. Virgil opened my eyes and showed me that yes, I (and everyone else) can do it too. No artist death has impacted me as much as his, because even though you didn’t speak to him, you felt like you knew him. He will live forever through his art and he will always be in our hearts… R.I.P Virgil…
I was always so impressed by how many people in the scene he was following on Instagram, even small accounts and I always thought wow he is really really into this shit. Alone this was so crazy to me and made me realize how much he lived for the culture. I understand when people say his work was lazy or unoriginal but he worked so much and you just have to admit his impact and respect it, he really was a nice person and as you said in the video did so much for so many many people in a very special way.
Virgil literally changed my life. last year I sent him a DM and he replied. Got me to work on AR for Louis Vuitton & his store. I got to make the inaugural digital wearables for LV.
for a long time I have had a critical eye on virgils work, but somehow this man made me perceive modern art and the way I look at it today differently. There is a lot of meaning behind every piece virgil has designed and I would love people to dig deeper into his and other designers work to understand fashion on a different level. as a designer myself I feel like if people would only understand how much emotion, power, movement and importance lies in these collections, show-concepts and craftmenships, fashion would be appreciated in a way that gives the pieces we wear on our skins back the worth they deserve, and we need that to happen, to fully understand and respect the depth of this form of art.
I'm a bit late to this but your videos genuinely are amazing. virgil managed to light a fire under me and is crucial to the beginning of my early career in fashion, he showed a black 18-year-old who was lost and had no sense of direction that you could do it too and I'll forever be grateful for that and the gems and mentorship he gave so many of us around the world. long live V🕊
Here in Detroit: Virgil was here.. ill never forget the gift you gave me and the words . Thank you too the man the DJ Moodymann with the assist! We Love you Virgil and i will continue the vibes
I won this leadership award in my small island of Bermuda in like 2018 and when the judges asked my inspiration I told them it was Virgil just for the simple fact he was a graceful bull in a China shop he made his way into everything without being cynical or offensive just authentic no matter what people said
“He talked to me, he was nice to me” the most human aspect that we hold dear to us… kindness, rip Virgil and ty for this video truly inspiring much love.
Virgil inspires me to take fashion seriously (as a living, not just a hobby), and to know that I (and everyone) truly have the power to influence and affect the world.
I stayed awake up to 2 am to watch the show on youtube when it dropped despite having an exam the next day. When 'the house that hårga built' played at the end of the show, I couldn't help but cry and feel like the song gained a new sense of meaning outside the original context of midsommar (the movie in which it's a part of the score). Virgil built a house, based on representation, lifting each up and sheer hardwork and goodwill. And in true Virgil fashion, he left the door open for others, empowering everyone who's willing to take a shot to help him build the floors above. His passing is a damn shame. No words can express it better, in my opinion.
Virgil's bag is the first item I bought that was way over my budget, my first luxury item. I remember my friends not understanding how in the world I could spend more money on a purse than on rent. I didn't understand it back then I just loved the bag so I bought it. The black and white hazardous stripes with its industrial belt and bolts. The fashion world scoffed, so did my friends. Now that he's gone I truly feel what that bag represented, belonging. Not to the world of fashion or kids with lots of money, but belonging simply because something so different could create space within the norm. Thanks for hyping us up through your work Virgil, I promise I'll strive to do the same.
I’m an architect turned multi-disciplinary creative… because Virgil showed me that I could. His early graphic language was my entry point into graphic design and I based all My decks on him. I referenced him endlessly for my architecture thesis presentation, which was out of left field, and it received awards. I sampled Virgil like he sampled the other greats. But he was a great to me. I never met him but he opened a digital door for me to try other things. He is a unicorn and I’m so sad he is gone. Love you Virgil.
Oh Bliss , baby boy you have outdone yourself. Tears are streaming down my face. I talked to him once and he was so bloody nice. My heart is breaking. It's not fair . Many shows he was in pain, in silence. Thank you. I will be in touch. We go on for him now. Both of us. 🌹
I didn’t meet Virgil myself , a friend of mine did , he told me how he was at central st martins in London , we come from a small town , so he stood out to me , it was his sense of fashion that made me make friends with him , anyways , because he went to this college he met friends there and they would go with him to art galleries , this is where he met Virgil . Long story short they collaborated on a project for ikea . This is the kind of super hero we have lost . Because of this story , I was more passionate about fashion, art galleries and everything else . Which lead me to finding a community like this . Virgil undirectly inspired me on a human level first before on an art level , the smile on my friend when he told me how this interaction changed the course of his life . Made me also inspired . I probably did not write this properly but bliss you are real and thank you for all you do and to everyone else in their feels we all feel this one together
@@BlissFoster thank you. It’s the personal touch. Happy you have chairs but let’s speak from the floor 😂😂. Thank you for what you do you have no idea the influence and gems you’ve blessed me with so far. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I cried for 2 days, being a fashion designing student and about to start my career, I always dreamt of just be able to work with him and learn from him.
A great portion of my assumptions about my future were crushed on Sunday when I discovered the man I wanted to work under passed... We're all feeling that same feeling at the exact same time...
if there was anyone i would have wanted to cover Virgil's final show, it would have been you, without a doubt. I don't consider myself into "Fashion" but more into clothes, but when you first explained Virgil's thought process and inspiration behind some of his work all that time ago, it really opened my eyes to how poetic and deep one garment could really be, let alone an entire collection! It really showed me that Virgil's work at LV was more than just the colors, patterns, and cuts, but how all three of those things are interconnected across a wide range of products.
I never got the chance to meet Virgil. I was just always captivated by his shows and how he always took into account the location, music and his models. I made an presentation while in my high school art class allowing me to learn more about his journey as a designer. He remains an inspiration to me as a black young artist. I’m still learning more about him and if I could meet him, I would like to thank him for paving the way for the youth.
I decided to become a designer because off Virgil. I was working in commercial finance in feb 6 2017 and happened to catch a livestream of the talk he gave at columbia, then and there I decided I would become a designer. 2 years later virgil reached out to me to buy 2 pairs of some MCA AF1 replicas I had made. I cannot thank him enough for leading me to open my mind to the possibilities of what could be and helping me get out of the corporate world and into th fully creative lifestyle I lead now. Virgil Forever.
Ooooooooo nooo. This is the first I’m hearing about his passing…. That is so unfair. I’m in tears 😭 such a bright light and just a lovely lovely person gone. Nooooooooo. Thanks so much for your tribute bliss - very eloquent and poignant as always. X
I'm numb. I fall short of words. Virgil truly made me believe how a vision can change the world. He taught me that change is the only constant. He "TAUGHT"me to evolve. I didn't know shit about fashion. I was dumb. I learnt "ABOUT" him. I learnt "FROM" him. Techniques, strategies, visions. As I write this, I remember the website he created, where he uploaded all his draft, his zoom meets, all the discussions to the creation of his collection---- The transparency. I felt it. He taught me what the culture meant. What relationships in the culture meant. And how the culture meant so much more than just, fashion, art and music. Whether one liked his designs or not, his impact on the industry is undeniable. *I had a very farfetched thought, where I hoped to meet this man, that taught me the basics.Who would know the possibilities of that even happenning.All I know now. It's never gonna happen. HE'S GIVEN A YOUNG INDIAN GIRL, SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO. AND SHE OWES MUCH OF HER JOURNEY TO HIM END "QUOTES". 💔
The day before he died, I was watching your video about Virgil and understanding him and it hurt my heart when I woke up the next day to his passing. Thank you Bliss, I love you Virgil.
crying watching this bro. Love your channel. I feel the same way you do. I started designing and building my own furniture last year. Completed my whole first collection. I studied him, his philosophy Everyday in the shop I was watching his lectures wearing the Figures Of Speech hoodie, as a symbol to be closer to his thinking. He taught me everything from a far.
When I told my family over the weekend that Virgil died, my mom (who I talk to a lot about clothes and such) understood how serious and insane it was. But my grandmother and aunt didn’t. I explained it to them as “the biggest name in fashion for the last five years” just died. I thank Virgil for making his fashion so fun, and inspiring so many people my age to just create.
funny how someone I've never met has had such a profound effect on me... I've been upset all week and keep rewatching 'Peculiar Contrast, Perfect Light' - its one of the first shows i ever watched and I'm not kidding when i say it felt like an epiphany! So much of the time it feels like fashion actively doesn't want 'us' - the fashion nerds etc but it felt like he was on our side and in our corner and rooting for EVERYONE his lectures and his show notes and his work to include everyone will be an inspiration to me for a really really long time he is the first super successful person to say u can do it too - and have me actually believe it bc it felt like he was trying to bring everyone up with him. he is a HERO THANK YOU VIRGIL FOR YOUR MIND, HEART AND ATTENTION
I didn’t really know much about Virgil before his death (or now) but loved the “The Ten” collection. I’ve just recently let myself become excited by fashion and seeing Virgil’s work is blowing me away. Thank you for sharing, for helping us appreciate his art and for your heartfelt video!
I wanted to make clothing my whole life, I'm as old as Virgil was & I discovered Off-White by fluke about 5 years ago. It reminded me of when I was a kid and into streetwear. After looking on youtube for it I found you Bliss, your passion and enthusiasm gave me the will to start sewing, I learned how and am now designing & making clothing. Thank you. My dog was passing and I took a few weeks off from work to take care of him, to keep my mind clear the first thing I ever made was that shirt I sent you...
Honestly as much as i had wanted to reject the thought of me constantly being inspired by virgil because of all the "hypebeast" labels it has received, i realised how hard it was, because he was of such a great inspiration to me. I have always watched his works from the sidelines, bad or good. He has really opened the doors to this impenetrable fortress which was what luxury fashion was, extremely hard to get into. I just turned 18 this year and i am in the progress of starting my own fashion line. He will always be one of my greatest inspirations even though it might not be from his clothes but his insanely respectful work ethic which allowed him to accomplish way more than alot of people could within their lifetimes, with the short 41 years he had. REST IN POWER VIRGIL, YOU WILL BE MISSED, THANK YOU 4 EVERYTHING. Side note: Great video Bliss, keep up the work :)
Virgil was special to me because he made me feel welcomed in fashion. I got interested in fashion because he told me that I had a place in it, he told all of us that. I started my own brand because he told me I could, he told all of us we can do it too. His passing has left an incredible void in my spirit that can't ever be filled, but the legacy he leaves will forever be special to me. I am blessed to have been able to watch him change the world around us and celebrate in that with him. He was the one of the greatest creative minds on the planet. And above all, he was so kind to everybody he interacted with. May he rest in peace.
I am not that much into streetwear so I never looked extensively into his shows but I could always understand his genius because you will have to be blind not to notice. He was a man who came from nothing but also came so far. He was one of very few true pioneers, which is rare to come by in an industry where the profit of kering rules everything and we can only imagine what else he could give us had he been alive for years to come
i was clueless as to what direction to go after architecture school..seeing virgil studied architecture and did what he did.. allowed me to explore and create short films, comicbooks, furniture and now clothes.. RIP to the post postmodernist genius.
I had a very love/hate relationship with Virgil and his work. There was plenty to criticize and make fun of. But I always had profound respect him. I’m still in constant awe of just how confusingly productive he was. I mean I choose LV Trainers as my first ever luxury fashion purchase. To buy something of a treasure like that meant a lot to me and I will never ever let go of them.
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the way he composed himself in DMs, the part which really struck me from interacting with the guy, that I'm happy to hear isn't unique to me, it felt like the dialogue of ideas / work with the guy wasn't out of a vested self interest or personal gain, that's literally 1 in a million in creative-types
In Sept. 6, I was at Madison Square Garden for the Saint Pablo tour. I scored floor tickets and went with my best friend. As I was witnessed such an incredible show from above, I look to my left and I see him. Virgil. I start freaking out in my mind. I go up to him and just tell him you’re incredible you’re a legend you’re a star biggest inspiration all that stuff. This was in 2016 before the Nike the Ten. I ask him for a photo and we take it. I then asked him to sign my ticket and I told him it was my birthday. I say thank you and walk away. My friend asks me “who was that?” And I just was speechless. I look at my ticket and he wrote Happy Birthday on it. I have since seen him at other shows like Travis Scott and I was at his set at the infamous Terminal 5 show. Another thing that I still hold dear to was during Art Basel before the pandemic, I scavenged all over the design district to see his instillation of his take on the Sunoco sign. As I was there I caught Bari there. I asked if I can snap a flick of him by the sculpture. I posted it and Virgil and Bari reposted it on their stories and Virgil liked and commented. I felt noticed. I’ve cried for days. I can’t stop. I went to school for engineering and it was his work that influenced me to switch gears into advertising and pursue my creative desires. My dream is to go get into music merchandising and collab with Virgil on merch. That dream is now gone. Still I have is everything he gave me through barrier breaking design, lectures, books, and more he graced us with. I will forever miss him and I am glad I got to give him his flowers when he was around. Thank you for your video.
I met Virgil at a Revolve mansion party in the Hamptons in 2016. He was incredibly down-to-earth. At one point his hands were full and the mans just handed me his phone and was like 'could you hold this for a moment.' The man practically ran his entire global operation through that phone and it was in my hands for like 15 seconds lol. At the end of the party I somehow managed to get down into the basement where he proceeded to do a small DJ set for like 50 people. It was one of the best times of my life.
A GIANT in his world who spread creativity but especially joy, kindness, and expansion! Some flames burn hard and fast for reasons we never know. We can only stand still and feel their presence in wonder.....and loss in deep sadness. Thank you Bliss for your moving tribute to an amazing person and artist. RIP dear Virgil in the Great Beyond.
Virgil paved the way for all of us outside of Europe or white America to make it in fashion. He took the brunts of ridicule, insult, criticism and exclusion so we wouldnt have to. Additionally, he did it with a smile on his face. Never once did I hear Virgil put down anyone, any style or any idea that wasnt his own. I think he rests easy knowing what he did will forever be cherished and remembered, we miss you already. LLVA
I really admired Virgil's work, the first time I came across the shoes he designed I immediately felt that sense of curiosity and wonderment. It changed my perspective. Then he made his LV collections and I could just see how much love and joy and appreciation for blackness and black culture that he put into it. He was one for the heart, Virgil. I may not be a fashion student or even a consumer of high fashion but I really liked that there was this person taking the industry by storm, giving the world his heart and mind and really being an example of black excellence through and through. I was stunned when I learned he passed away and I was looking for comments that were positive and also sharing the grief. Thanks Bliss for posting this wonderful memorial.
I’ll be honest. If it wasn’t for your reviews, your passion, your curiosity , your enthusiasm and energy to dissect every detail of every show, I’d still be hating Virgil for no reason. You helped me understand Virgil as a designer, as a creator, as visionary, as an artist and as a person. Probably came around a bit late to understand it better, just for it to end. It saddens me a lot, but thankful and appreciative of the legacy and his message. I’m sorry for your loss…our loss. Hugs.
What a beautiful video bliss by the end I was bawling like a baby. I never realized how influential his work was in my life and it's a shame I allowed my cynicism to prevent myself from truly understanding his work while he was alive
Literally bawling my eyes out watching this video. I think it is difficult to wrap up Virgil in just a few words. He was so much more than a traditional fashion designer and creative. As big and successful as he was, he was a person above all that. He was an individual who put his heart and soul into everything he did. Never spoke with him yet I feel as if I knew him just as well as anybody close to him. He was so good at that, being a person and showing that he truly cared about and appreciated not only his work, but those around him. He will forever be a staple in the fashion industry. A true icon.
Off white campus in London , my first experience/interaction with him and his product. The sheer level of detail and thought that went into that whole release strategy , from the imagery , to the physical content that was offered in each workshop. Forever this will be my legacy of him. No release or project has and ever will come close to this. Truly his magnum opus. The reason I got into fashion, thank you Virgil ✨
I showed my dad one of Virgil's talks from 2016-2018 era. My dad had showed me Basquiat years before and I figured he would like to know of this other young black creative. My father and I discussed Virgil's work and art in general. When Virgil passed I thought to call my dad. I called him, he was busy and said to call later. We didn't speak for about two days (life just being busy) but then my dad called me one night and said he saw that Virgil had passed away and they had a long news segment about it on PBS. My dad shares in my love of art and saw Virgil's passing as something very important to me and him. This was the death of a modern day super hero. Rest in peace Virgil. I'll keep being free for you.
That was beautiful, your emotion brought me to tears (again), I've been a mess for the last couple of days, but this was the first time they were happy tears. Virgil was my introduction to fashion in 2015 when I was in high school and while my interest grew over time. It was only a couple of months ago, that he made me realize that overall creativity (design, fashion, music, etc) is a passion instead of just an interest. I never realized this because I can't communicate my intense interest in these topics with the people directly around me. He made me comfortable with the feeling of being a passionate nerd about these subjects while nobody around me was, he made me feel that it was cool and now I am able to find confidence in those interests because I know they make me happy. It is literally a turning point in my life and career and he didn't even have to talk to me directly to say that. That is how powerful his influence and message are, especially because I know there are thousands of more people out there feeling the same way. There is going to be a tsunami of creativity in the coming years and I can't wait to see it. Thank you, Virgil.
So happy you got to go! I'm just now watching this... only brought myself to watch the show last night. This wasn't a eulogy... bust it was the best last work one could ask for!
Have had a Virgil quote taped to my computer for about a year and a half now. It reads "The only failure is not to try". That quote has played an insanely key role in a lot of the career/life choices I've made in the time since I discovered it, and still does now. Rest easy V.
I live about 20min away from where the show was held and I just couldn't find ticket info or anything for guests in time. I'll be visiting the off white store in Miami soon for sure. Love his work. Love what he stood for. Beautiful video on the show and on Virgil. Made me tear up. Thanks for sharing this with us. Rip Virgil
Wouldn’t be here without him. First introduction to fashion online being from a small town in Oklahoma. He broke down barriers of entry for so many. One of my biggest inspirations and why I continue to pursue art and fashion to this day. RIP V
It was hard to watch any Virgil related content for awhile after, but the first week or so after, it was amazing seeing so many random artists and creatives posting support they received from him, like he sought them out and made a point to build them up. Watching his last show, I can’t think of a more joyous celebration of someone’s work, and it was so soon after, but it just felt like Virgil. I think we’ll look back at this time and realize how much Virgil had an impact on the entire world. Great vid Bliss.
Like Virgil, I studied engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and I also received a certificate of studio art. I felt freed by taking these studio classes and surrounding myself with creatives. That’s why Virgil’s story spoke to me so much. He took one humanities course on Caravaggio, walked the same halls as me, and could not go on living without exploring this world of art and expression. Since leaving school, I’ve struggled with putting myself out there, allowing myself to fail in creative endeavors, and connecting with other artists. But Virgil’s lectures, interviews, creations, etc. have taught me to let go of this fear. It will be a process, but I hope to improve and never forget this notion. Virgil’s words and teachings will always motivate me.
I got into fashion a few years ago through Off White. Virgil's work was the point of confidence when others thought a man interested in fashion was strange. Virgil's art gave strength and confidence to move on, delve deeper into fashion and see the story behind his creations. He was the reason for me not to care what others say and to move on. He inspired me like no one had ever done before. Without him I wouldn't be here with the desire to study fashion design and to do what he inspired me and many others to do.
I was living Seoul South Korea in 2019 and V was playing dj set at mixmag 3rd year anniversary. The tickets were sold out pretty fast so i had no chance to enter:( then i decided to make my own wristband by sticking atm slip with chewing gum on my left wrist and it worked! i got inside, The show was cool, the kids were throwing LV shoes and Jordans to stage where Virgil was signing all of them and throwing back. Virgil played lots of techno and house music as well as hip hop greatest hits. After the show i was walking back to the subway station and all of a sudden black mercedes benz pulled over, that was virgil’s car! He opened the window asked if i could help taking a picture of him standing next to burberry billboard (with gigi hadid modeling), I said sure and he immediately gave me his phone then stroke a cute pose and i took few pictures. Then i returned his phone to him and he got back into his car and left. If there is anyone who was at that event 29/05/2019 please let me know. Rip VA
His simplicity inspired me , he said if you look at a piece of garbage with garbage its garbage but if you take a piece of garbage and give it a plain white back ground its art , I loved his work ethic and that's what keeps me going with my own brand but I'm inspired by those who just have drive and are creative and don't give up ya know Virgil is rite we all can do it !!!!
Im SO sad cannot get over this. Thank you for this video Bliss. I have watched Virgil´s lectures and was amazed by his creativity and kindness. Im a designer and he inspires me. He disrupted the industry with a unique aesthetic that broke the mold of what was cool and elegant. I believe he poured all his soul in his collections, to evoque and transmit the joy in life, even though he knew he had little time. He was a very strong person for doing that. Feeling the imminent final stop of life, feeling that you have limited time and STILL have the will, motivation and courage to continue and create unforgettable art really amazes and inspires me. He was one of the great ones. Forever will be missed. Im crying reading all the comments of people who where lucky and got to meet him. RIP Virgil.
watching this video midway through and just remembered why I repainted my room blue 2 years ago I was inspired by his second show and I wanted my room to feel like the clothes of that show I was going throw a hard time and wanted to break free and I remember watching that show and seeing something so magical about it. truly an inspiration what an artist
Virgil's lectures and interviews were my main sources of mentorship 2 years ago when I started my brand. Not to mention the amount his creative process has inspired me. Virgil really changed my life path completely. 🤍🕊
so beautifull what you said! i am a fashion teacher in sp brazil and i analized virgil’s fashion show in class. not only the enormous talent he had, but also the hole he played in the industrie, showing black people that they can be powerfull and also they can be very very charming wearing those fabulous outfits! i heard some words from my black students that really moved me. i m very sory, he left too early.
I never had a chance to meet Virgil or buy any of his work, but as a creative man ive always admired his kindness and down to earth personality, i always adore artists who dont want to separete themselves from the people, and being such, teaching others to be kind and respectful to beginners and dreamers around, value courage of dedication and not wealth. Goodbye, Teacher.
I had the pleasure of meeting Virgil back in the US OPEN (2018) just randomly walking in the main hallway of the stadium, he was alone yes ALONE he was texting and looking around and I wonder, how is this guy alone in this place? Anyway I approach to him to say hi, no jokes he salute me like I was one of his best friends (dude I was shocked) and we talk like 5 min about shoes, architecture and tennis it felt surreal, we take a picture in the end and I thank him for being and inspiration for young architects and he just said: and we are getting started… Rest in power Virgil.
Well said. Thanks for sharing. He broke very real barriers and his authentic inclusivity and open mindedness makes him a shining star and unique in the fashion world
I probably wouldn’t have a fashion degree, at 23, if it wasn’t for this guy. He was one of my first inspirations in design and also one of the main reasons of why I chose to pursue Fashion Design as a career. At 17, he made me feel like I could achieve the dream that so many kids like myself had, but chose to let go of it because of how far fetched they thought it was. And so I created my own graphic t-shirts and had skateboarders wear them for advertisement, whilst I hand delivered them to local buyers on my BMX bike. He made me believe in my concepts and inspired me to bring them to life, in this gated/prestige viewed craft called “Fashion Design”. Rest in Paradise Virgil Abloh❤️🕊 🙏🏽PYREX VISION FOREVER🙏🏽
This is an elegant, beautiful homage to a phenomenal talent! I hope his loved ones will see this once they've moved into the later stages of grief; and this will be an aid in the healing process.
He was my entry point. He made fashion understandable, fun, playful, a million times more interesting, accessible, democratic. He broke down barriers like they were nothing.. because they were. They were all myths and he chose to believe in himself rather than the myths. The messages in his clothing were just so reachable. He was everyone's ladder to the "high" fashion. I saw so much of his work that I could actually connect with. He somehow could strike notes from my childhood over and over. He truly made me feel like my childhood, likes, interests, memories, reference points were valid and he just gave us the answers. He just shouted out the method. He cared. He wanted us all to win. ... I could dedicate an indefinite amount of time to writing about what he meant to me .. but I have to stop, just because I will only get more emotional and end up slacking on my responsibilities and I know he would want me and everyone to dedicate all our time and energy into ourselves and our own work so that we could reach higher. "Thank you" is an understatement. Like Foster said, what I have to offer him is nothing compared to what he gave, but here is a piece: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I will do more in other forms and other genres soon..
I'm balling in tears 😭😭😭😭😭 Virgil was such an inspiration to me. Words can't express how much his Art and Artistry impacted my life. What a beautiful tribute to him. I'm hitting that Subscribe button. Thanks for this wonderful video. Rest Well Virgil...
I never got the chance to meet Virgil, but i did get to walk past him. I was at my lake house in Wisconsin and was walking back from playing basketball at the neighborhood court when i noticed a fairly familiar face. I could not believe me eyes. Walking past me was the man who I had looked up to for years. I ran back home and yelled inside” I just walked past virgil abloh.” I was convinced it was just some random guy who was bald and had a similar beard and physique. Sure enough, after hours of research, I really had walked by virgil abloh. It was a moment I never will forget. Every time I would go up after that I would walk past his house and see if his cars were in the driveway, waiting to finally meet him at the pool one day. But that day never came. I wish I had the guts to go up to him that day and have a conversation, but in life, we cannot live with regrets. Virgil always let his artistic visions speak for who he was as a person. He threw every thought, every idea that he could summon in his mind, into each garment. I know my story doesn’t involve a personal connection to him, but i thought it would speak to some people. Rest In Peace Virgil Abloh, may his legacy continue forever.
Frank Ocean said in his post about Virgil “Grief is love that you don’t get to express.” I think Virgil embodied love in his work more than anything else. He wanted to make things he loved, he mentioned how he is always trying to do what he would’ve wanted to do when he was 17. He was trying to convey himself and his love for the world at his purest form and blazing a path for others to do so. I think it’s on creatives like me who have the privilege to express the love others cannot, to do so with everything we have.
Out of all his talents I think his most important, and something word needs a lot of, is his storytelling. Not just storytelling on its own, but it’s almost a childlike story telling. How everyone has a colorful and vast imagination as a kid and lose that overtime but some will keep that raw colorful imagination with them and he’s one of those people.
I had barley learned about Virgil Abloh through your video "Understanding Virgil's Louis Vuitton" and was so fascinated on his point of view on fashion. I've loved this art form for all of my life and the way he had such a heart for his work and for fashion was impeccable. I've loved many of his pieces before and learning about the show notes and the story behind it was inspirational. I'm very sad that he passed away as I barley got to learning about him, but he will forever have an impact on me, and will forever influence and be a motivation to put my heart into fashion and into anything that I whole heartedly love. He will live on forever as a true king and a true legend.
im 15 at the moment and i got inspired by virgil when i was 11 years old, he got me into fashion and the art of fashion. He was the first person ive ever looked up to from a young age. His storytelling and shows and collections were so amazing. When i was 12 i read books of him and read about his havard speeches and the way he designed, i was so amazed and moved by him. His influence and everything he did for the culture is just so extraordinary. I will miss him forever and i hope i may some day be as good as he was
I’m in tears, this is so beautiful. I’ve realised since Virgil’s passing how significant his art and world has been on me, the culture I’ve been fortunate to be a part in, even just as someone who likes clothes and music, Virgil’s impact is felt in so many things I take part in and surround myself with❤️
I can just imagine what the fashion industry is going to be like, when all of us newcomers come out. The way people feels inpspired by how virgil was to people, and how open he was, is gonna inspire new desgners to be like him. The future is gonna be amazing because of how inspirationel he is
This man inderectly effected my life with his words, his joy, and his creativity. He not only opened the door for people like me who are eager to work anywhere they were allowed to just to say they work in fashion but, he did more than that he showed us how we can make it like he did. The day I found out he passed was the first time I had cried in years, it felt like a family member was taken away. It hurts to know that I won’t ever get the chance to thank him for what he’s done not only for me but for the thousands of thousands of people he inspired and pushed. Thank you virgil..
what I love about him the most is how he never failed to bring every form of art, design, and storytelling in his work. I used to worry about my design school being too multidisciplinary, but because of people like him, i haven't been scared to explore outside of 'specialisations' I have so much respect for this man
I love how inspirational you can be! Your reaction when you got the kite is so satisfying to watch, makes me want to send you kites!
Fashion UA-cam god.
LOIC ILY !!!! 😆❤️
Loic Prigent! Je viens de voir ton dernier video sur le prix LVMH...avec des extraits videos de Virgil. Ça m'a tellement émue...tu as vraiment réussi a capturé la gentillesse, la générosité et la bonté de cette homme! Quel inspiration!
R.I.P Virgil Abloh
“The party is a better place when there is enough sit at the table for everyone” replayed this line a lot
A lot of people say stuff like that, but Virgil really lived it
In 2018, when Virgil was working on his first collection for LV, he got his hands on a t shirt I made, and took it to the Siege LV design studio in Paris and posted a photo of it to his story. At the time, I was an 18 year old kid making streetwear pieces and cut & sew here and there. Virgil putting my shirt in a space like that was showing me what was possible for myself before I could even imagine it. I’m forever grateful for Virgil for small moments like this that mean so much to fashion design kids like me.
I’m one of those 20 year old kids (actually 18) that wouldn’t be in this comment section right now without Virgil ! Two years ago we had to make a presentation on a designer and I made this entire project on Virgil without opening a web page once, I LOVED HIM. HE IS THE REASON I HAVE A SEWING MACHINE AND STARTED MY ENDEAVORS WITH CLOTHES.
Thank you for moving my tears to joy after they have been filled with sadness these past few days
THANK YOU BLISS! YOUR WORK IS AMAZING! I have only known and been watching your videos the past two years, BUT MAN YOU DID SO MUCH FOR ME. OPENED MY EYES TO SO MUCH, AND YOU GAVE ME MORE FASHION KNOWLEDGE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE. LASTLY MY DREAM WAS ALWAYS FOR JUST ONE CONVERSATION WITH VIRGIL, I NOW KNOW I CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH HIM THROUGH EACH PERSON HE ENCOURAGED.
Thats fire !!!
sweet!
😭😭😭😭 I'm rooting for you. I wish you the best.
Virgil retweeted and liked a photo of mine thanking him for bringing his art exhibition to Atlanta... I felt seen in a time where I was invisible...
Where not even my friends would acknowledge me, Virgil saw me.
He inspired me to reach his level... I used to walk around my house like a runway model after I saw his first collection with LV in 2018. I was in bed waking up super late during the day and as soon as I got on IG, I'm seeing all of these posts of people at a runway show in Paris...
I didn't even know fashion week was happening.
I watched the entire replay of the show on LV's IG.
I screenshotted the iconic moment of Kanye and Virgil.
I recognized a plethora of black and brown faces who I knew distinctly as artists, skateboarders or musicians that I admired.
I saw clothes that I coveted.
Who would acknowledge dirty street kids and artists?
Virgil would...
I had a deep profound respect for the man after than...
A year or so later, in 2020 I saw hundreds of black, brown and white people in Virgil's exhibit. Hood niggas, college students, Moms, Kids... The list goes on.
I could type forever but in closing, seeing Chief Keef on the wall in the High museum wearing a Supreme shirt and seeing how he and Virgil put on for their city was touching...
I'm just a nobody I feel like... But Virgil gave me access.
And I've never even touched his hand.
Thank you so much Mr. Abloh, you'll see God. ❤
Amazing comment, thank you for sharing
This so amazing comment…it tells much about his impact on fashion ❤️
"he was nice to me"..Thats is to me the most impressive of his great accomplishment. Listening to all of the testaments given by those who knew him and interacted him that is high point of his great legacy.
Virgil is literally the reason why I chose art to be my path in life. I always knew I had that artistic spark in me but I wasn’t sure if I was worthy enough to be able to per-sue it because I attached a “1 in a million” connotation to it.
Virgil opened my eyes and showed me that yes, I (and everyone else) can do it too.
No artist death has impacted me as much as his, because even though you didn’t speak to him, you felt like you knew him.
He will live forever through his art and he will always be in our hearts…
R.I.P Virgil…
Well said! And I couldn't agree more
Virgil was my spiritual fashion / art / cultural mentor.
I was always so impressed by how many people in the scene he was following on Instagram, even small accounts and I always thought wow he is really really into this shit. Alone this was so crazy to me and made me realize how much he lived for the culture. I understand when people say his work was lazy or unoriginal but he worked so much and you just have to admit his impact and respect it, he really was a nice person and as you said in the video did so much for so many many people in a very special way.
Virgil literally changed my life. last year I sent him a DM and he replied. Got me to work on AR for Louis Vuitton & his store. I got to make the inaugural digital wearables for LV.
for a long time I have had a critical eye on virgils work, but somehow this man made me perceive modern art and the way I look at it today differently. There is a lot of meaning behind every piece virgil has designed and I would love people to dig deeper into his and other designers work to understand fashion on a different level. as a designer myself I feel like if people would only understand how much emotion, power, movement and importance lies in these collections, show-concepts and craftmenships, fashion would be appreciated in a way that gives the pieces we wear on our skins back the worth they deserve, and we need that to happen, to fully understand and respect the depth of this form of art.
I just bawled watching this, thank you so much.
I'm a bit late to this but your videos genuinely are amazing. virgil managed to light a fire under me and is crucial to the beginning of my early career in fashion, he showed a black 18-year-old who was lost and had no sense of direction that you could do it too and I'll forever be grateful for that and the gems and mentorship he gave so many of us around the world.
long live V🕊
Here in Detroit: Virgil was here..
ill never forget the gift you gave me and the words . Thank you too the man the DJ Moodymann with the assist! We Love you Virgil and i will continue the vibes
I won this leadership award in my small island of Bermuda in like 2018 and when the judges asked my inspiration I told them it was Virgil just for the simple fact he was a graceful bull in a China shop he made his way into everything without being cynical or offensive just authentic no matter what people said
“He talked to me, he was nice to me” the most human aspect that we hold dear to us… kindness, rip Virgil and ty for this video truly inspiring much love.
Virgil inspires me to take fashion seriously (as a living, not just a hobby), and to know that I (and everyone) truly have the power to influence and affect the world.
I stayed awake up to 2 am to watch the show on youtube when it dropped despite having an exam the next day. When 'the house that hårga built' played at the end of the show, I couldn't help but cry and feel like the song gained a new sense of meaning outside the original context of midsommar (the movie in which it's a part of the score).
Virgil built a house, based on representation, lifting each up and sheer hardwork and goodwill. And in true Virgil fashion, he left the door open for others, empowering everyone who's willing to take a shot to help him build the floors above.
His passing is a damn shame. No words can express it better, in my opinion.
oh shit a heart; thank you bliss and lots of respect and high fives from a high schooler in kuwait!
I had exams the next day as well when I was watching the live stream, rest in peace Virgil 🧡
Virgil's bag is the first item I bought that was way over my budget, my first luxury item. I remember my friends not understanding how in the world I could spend more money on a purse than on rent. I didn't understand it back then I just loved the bag so I bought it. The black and white hazardous stripes with its industrial belt and bolts. The fashion world scoffed, so did my friends. Now that he's gone I truly feel what that bag represented, belonging. Not to the world of fashion or kids with lots of money, but belonging simply because something so different could create space within the norm.
Thanks for hyping us up through your work Virgil, I promise I'll strive to do the same.
Virgil changed our lives.
I’m an architect turned multi-disciplinary creative… because Virgil showed me that I could. His early graphic language was my entry point into graphic design and I based all
My decks on him. I referenced him endlessly for my architecture thesis presentation, which was out of left field, and it received awards. I sampled Virgil like he sampled the other greats. But he was a great to me. I never met him but he opened a digital door for me to try other things. He is a unicorn and I’m so sad he is gone. Love you Virgil.
Oh Bliss , baby boy you have outdone yourself. Tears are streaming down my face. I talked to him once and he was so bloody nice. My heart is breaking. It's not fair . Many shows he was in pain, in silence.
Thank you. I will be in touch.
We go on for him now. Both of us. 🌹
I didn’t meet Virgil myself , a friend of mine did , he told me how he was at central st martins in London , we come from a small town , so he stood out to me , it was his sense of fashion that made me make friends with him , anyways , because he went to this college he met friends there and they would go with him to art galleries , this is where he met Virgil . Long story short they collaborated on a project for ikea . This is the kind of super hero we have lost . Because of this story , I was more passionate about fashion, art galleries and everything else . Which lead me to finding a community like this . Virgil undirectly inspired me on a human level first before on an art level , the smile on my friend when he told me how this interaction changed the course of his life . Made me also inspired . I probably did not write this properly but bliss you are real and thank you for all you do and to everyone else in their feels we all feel this one together
I agree with everything you wrote.
Bliss get back on the floor. I loved the personal touch of our floor conversations lol.
I literally didn’t think about bc I was still in the Miami hotel room 😂 we’ll return live from the floor next ep 💫💫
@@BlissFoster thank you. It’s the personal touch. Happy you have chairs but let’s speak from the floor 😂😂. Thank you for what you do you have no idea the influence and gems you’ve blessed me with so far. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I cried for 2 days, being a fashion designing student and about to start my career, I always dreamt of just be able to work with him and learn from him.
I also wanted to work with him probably was my biggest dream , its crazy that he died.
My dream was just one conversation🥺
A great portion of my assumptions about my future were crushed on Sunday when I discovered the man I wanted to work under passed... We're all feeling that same feeling at the exact same time...
He was a mentor to all of us without ever meeting but he taught us, talked to us with his work.
I think I don't want to be a designer anymore.
if there was anyone i would have wanted to cover Virgil's final show, it would have been you, without a doubt. I don't consider myself into "Fashion" but more into clothes, but when you first explained Virgil's thought process and inspiration behind some of his work all that time ago, it really opened my eyes to how poetic and deep one garment could really be, let alone an entire collection! It really showed me that Virgil's work at LV was more than just the colors, patterns, and cuts, but how all three of those things are interconnected across a wide range of products.
Word, Bliss is worthy.
Thank you Bliss. Respect from Manila.
I never got the chance to meet Virgil. I was just always captivated by his shows and how he always took into account the location, music and his models. I made an presentation while in my high school art class allowing me to learn more about his journey as a designer. He remains an inspiration to me as a black young artist. I’m still learning more about him and if I could meet him, I would like to thank him for paving the way for the youth.
I decided to become a designer because off Virgil. I was working in commercial finance in feb 6 2017 and happened to catch a livestream of the talk he gave at columbia, then and there I decided I would become a designer. 2 years later virgil reached out to me to buy 2 pairs of some MCA AF1 replicas I had made. I cannot thank him enough for leading me to open my mind to the possibilities of what could be and helping me get out of the corporate world and into th fully creative lifestyle I lead now. Virgil Forever.
Ooooooooo nooo. This is the first I’m hearing about his passing…. That is so unfair. I’m in tears 😭 such a bright light and just a lovely lovely person gone. Nooooooooo. Thanks so much for your tribute bliss - very eloquent and poignant as always. X
"go back to your childhood" the best advise i could ever get. Thank you so much Virgil Abloh. Rest in paradise
I'm numb. I fall short of words.
Virgil truly made me believe how a vision can change the world.
He taught me that change is the only constant.
He "TAUGHT"me to evolve.
I didn't know shit about fashion.
I was dumb.
I learnt "ABOUT" him.
I learnt "FROM" him.
Techniques, strategies, visions.
As I write this, I remember the website he created, where he uploaded all his draft, his zoom meets, all the discussions to the creation of his collection----
The transparency. I felt it.
He taught me what the culture meant. What relationships in the culture meant. And how the culture meant so much more than just, fashion, art and music.
Whether one liked his designs or not, his impact on the industry is undeniable.
*I had a very farfetched thought, where I hoped to meet this man, that taught me the basics.Who would know the possibilities of that even happenning.All I know now. It's never gonna happen.
HE'S GIVEN A YOUNG INDIAN GIRL, SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO. AND SHE OWES MUCH OF HER JOURNEY TO HIM
END "QUOTES".
💔
The day before he died, I was watching your video about Virgil and understanding him and it hurt my heart when I woke up the next day to his passing. Thank you Bliss, I love you Virgil.
Wow very touching video, I know his work only superficially but his impact on culture is undeniable
crying watching this bro. Love your channel. I feel the same way you do. I started designing and building my own furniture last year. Completed my whole first collection. I studied him, his philosophy Everyday in the shop I was watching his lectures wearing the Figures Of Speech hoodie, as a symbol to be closer to his thinking. He taught me everything from a far.
When I told my family over the weekend that Virgil died, my mom (who I talk to a lot about clothes and such) understood how serious and insane it was. But my grandmother and aunt didn’t. I explained it to them as “the biggest name in fashion for the last five years” just died. I thank Virgil for making his fashion so fun, and inspiring so many people my age to just create.
Very sweet video. making me cry at 9 am
Yeah my friends and family didnt understand why I was so sad 😔 but man I never saw this coming. He was my favorite.
Absolute goat unprecedented icon next level legend no words to express the impact . Long Love Virgil 📴🕊️🌹
funny how someone I've never met has had such a profound effect on me... I've been upset all week and keep rewatching 'Peculiar Contrast, Perfect Light' - its one of the first shows i ever watched and I'm not kidding when i say it felt like an epiphany!
So much of the time it feels like fashion actively doesn't want 'us' - the fashion nerds etc but it felt like he was on our side and in our corner and rooting for EVERYONE
his lectures and his show notes and his work to include everyone will be an inspiration to me for a really really long time
he is the first super successful person to say u can do it too - and have me actually believe it bc it felt like he was trying to bring everyone up with him.
he is a HERO
THANK YOU VIRGIL FOR YOUR MIND, HEART AND ATTENTION
I didn’t really know much about Virgil before his death (or now) but loved the “The Ten” collection.
I’ve just recently let myself become excited by fashion and seeing Virgil’s work is blowing me away.
Thank you for sharing, for helping us appreciate his art and for your heartfelt video!
I wanted to make clothing my whole life, I'm as old as Virgil was & I discovered Off-White by fluke about 5 years ago. It reminded me of when I was a kid and into streetwear. After looking on youtube for it I found you Bliss, your passion and enthusiasm gave me the will to start sewing, I learned how and am now designing & making clothing. Thank you. My dog was passing and I took a few weeks off from work to take care of him, to keep my mind clear the first thing I ever made was that shirt I sent you...
Honestly as much as i had wanted to reject the thought of me constantly being inspired by virgil because of all the "hypebeast" labels it has received, i realised how hard it was, because he was of such a great inspiration to me. I have always watched his works from the sidelines, bad or good. He has really opened the doors to this impenetrable fortress which was what luxury fashion was, extremely hard to get into. I just turned 18 this year and i am in the progress of starting my own fashion line. He will always be one of my greatest inspirations even though it might not be from his clothes but his insanely respectful work ethic which allowed him to accomplish way more than alot of people could within their lifetimes, with the short 41 years he had. REST IN POWER VIRGIL, YOU WILL BE MISSED, THANK YOU 4 EVERYTHING.
Side note: Great video Bliss, keep up the work :)
This was the most moving video about the loss I’ve seen. It’s cool to learn about his impact
Virgil was special to me because he made me feel welcomed in fashion. I got interested in fashion because he told me that I had a place in it, he told all of us that. I started my own brand because he told me I could, he told all of us we can do it too. His passing has left an incredible void in my spirit that can't ever be filled, but the legacy he leaves will forever be special to me. I am blessed to have been able to watch him change the world around us and celebrate in that with him. He was the one of the greatest creative minds on the planet. And above all, he was so kind to everybody he interacted with. May he rest in peace.
I am not that much into streetwear so I never looked extensively into his shows but I could always understand his genius because you will have to be blind not to notice. He was a man who came from nothing but also came so far. He was one of very few true pioneers, which is rare to come by in an industry where the profit of kering rules everything and we can only imagine what else he could give us had he been alive for years to come
I still cannot believe this is a thing that happened. I also cried and cried. 41 years old, I just can't get over it.
i was clueless as to what direction to go after architecture school..seeing virgil studied architecture and did what he did.. allowed me to explore and create short films, comicbooks, furniture and now clothes.. RIP to the post postmodernist genius.
I just want to say thank you Virgil
I had a very love/hate relationship with Virgil and his work. There was plenty to criticize and make fun of. But I always had profound respect him. I’m still in constant awe of just how confusingly productive he was. I mean I choose LV Trainers as my first ever luxury fashion purchase. To buy something of a treasure like that meant a lot to me and I will never ever let go of them.
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the way he composed himself in DMs, the part which really struck me from interacting with the guy, that I'm happy to hear isn't unique to me, it felt like the dialogue of ideas / work with the guy wasn't out of a vested self interest or personal gain, that's literally 1 in a million in creative-types
In Sept. 6, I was at Madison Square Garden for the Saint Pablo tour. I scored floor tickets and went with my best friend. As I was witnessed such an incredible show from above, I look to my left and I see him. Virgil. I start freaking out in my mind. I go up to him and just tell him you’re incredible you’re a legend you’re a star biggest inspiration all that stuff. This was in 2016 before the Nike the Ten. I ask him for a photo and we take it. I then asked him to sign my ticket and I told him it was my birthday. I say thank you and walk away. My friend asks me “who was that?” And I just was speechless. I look at my ticket and he wrote Happy Birthday on it.
I have since seen him at other shows like Travis Scott and I was at his set at the infamous Terminal 5 show.
Another thing that I still hold dear to was during Art Basel before the pandemic, I scavenged all over the design district to see his instillation of his take on the Sunoco sign. As I was there I caught Bari there. I asked if I can snap a flick of him by the sculpture. I posted it and Virgil and Bari reposted it on their stories and Virgil liked and commented. I felt noticed.
I’ve cried for days. I can’t stop. I went to school for engineering and it was his work that influenced me to switch gears into advertising and pursue my creative desires. My dream is to go get into music merchandising and collab with Virgil on merch. That dream is now gone. Still I have is everything he gave me through barrier breaking design, lectures, books, and more he graced us with. I will forever miss him and I am glad I got to give him his flowers when he was around. Thank you for your video.
I met Virgil at a Revolve mansion party in the Hamptons in 2016. He was incredibly down-to-earth. At one point his hands were full and the mans just handed me his phone and was like 'could you hold this for a moment.' The man practically ran his entire global operation through that phone and it was in my hands for like 15 seconds lol. At the end of the party I somehow managed to get down into the basement where he proceeded to do a small DJ set for like 50 people. It was one of the best times of my life.
A GIANT in his world who spread creativity but especially joy, kindness, and expansion! Some flames burn hard and fast for reasons we never know. We can only stand still and feel their presence in wonder.....and loss in deep sadness. Thank you Bliss for your moving tribute to an amazing person and artist. RIP dear Virgil in the Great Beyond.
Balled my eyes out while you spoke about your personal connection with Virgil. What a truly admirable man he was.
He is for sure proud of you, listening to your words now, so beautifully put.
Virgil paved the way for all of us outside of Europe or white America to make it in fashion. He took the brunts of ridicule, insult, criticism and exclusion so we wouldnt have to.
Additionally, he did it with a smile on his face. Never once did I hear Virgil put down anyone, any style or any idea that wasnt his own.
I think he rests easy knowing what he did will forever be cherished and remembered, we miss you already.
LLVA
🥺🙏💎
I really admired Virgil's work, the first time I came across the shoes he designed I immediately felt that sense of curiosity and wonderment. It changed my perspective. Then he made his LV collections and I could just see how much love and joy and appreciation for blackness and black culture that he put into it. He was one for the heart, Virgil. I may not be a fashion student or even a consumer of high fashion but I really liked that there was this person taking the industry by storm, giving the world his heart and mind and really being an example of black excellence through and through. I was stunned when I learned he passed away and I was looking for comments that were positive and also sharing the grief. Thanks Bliss for posting this wonderful memorial.
I visited the LV pop-up in SoHo this summer and fell in love with a bright green pair of shoes that he designed. I treasure them as a memory of him.
I’ll be honest. If it wasn’t for your reviews, your passion, your curiosity , your enthusiasm and energy to dissect every detail of every show, I’d still be hating Virgil for no reason.
You helped me understand Virgil as a designer, as a creator, as visionary, as an artist and as a person. Probably came around a bit late to understand it better, just for it to end. It saddens me a lot, but thankful and appreciative of the legacy and his message.
I’m sorry for your loss…our loss. Hugs.
What a beautiful video bliss by the end I was bawling like a baby. I never realized how influential his work was in my life and it's a shame I allowed my cynicism to prevent myself from truly understanding his work while he was alive
Literally bawling my eyes out watching this video. I think it is difficult to wrap up Virgil in just a few words. He was so much more than a traditional fashion designer and creative. As big and successful as he was, he was a person above all that. He was an individual who put his heart and soul into everything he did. Never spoke with him yet I feel as if I knew him just as well as anybody close to him. He was so good at that, being a person and showing that he truly cared about and appreciated not only his work, but those around him. He will forever be a staple in the fashion industry. A true icon.
Off white campus in London , my first experience/interaction with him and his product. The sheer level of detail and thought that went into that whole release strategy , from the imagery , to the physical content that was offered in each workshop. Forever this will be my legacy of him. No release or project has and ever will come close to this. Truly his magnum opus. The reason I got into fashion, thank you Virgil ✨
I showed my dad one of Virgil's talks from 2016-2018 era. My dad had showed me Basquiat years before and I figured he would like to know of this other young black creative. My father and I discussed Virgil's work and art in general. When Virgil passed I thought to call my dad. I called him, he was busy and said to call later. We didn't speak for about two days (life just being busy) but then my dad called me one night and said he saw that Virgil had passed away and they had a long news segment about it on PBS. My dad shares in my love of art and saw Virgil's passing as something very important to me and him. This was the death of a modern day super hero. Rest in peace Virgil. I'll keep being free for you.
That was beautiful, your emotion brought me to tears (again), I've been a mess for the last couple of days, but this was the first time they were happy tears. Virgil was my introduction to fashion in 2015 when I was in high school and while my interest grew over time. It was only a couple of months ago, that he made me realize that overall creativity (design, fashion, music, etc) is a passion instead of just an interest. I never realized this because I can't communicate my intense interest in these topics with the people directly around me. He made me comfortable with the feeling of being a passionate nerd about these subjects while nobody around me was, he made me feel that it was cool and now I am able to find confidence in those interests because I know they make me happy. It is literally a turning point in my life and career and he didn't even have to talk to me directly to say that. That is how powerful his influence and message are, especially because I know there are thousands of more people out there feeling the same way. There is going to be a tsunami of creativity in the coming years and I can't wait to see it. Thank you, Virgil.
So happy you got to go! I'm just now watching this... only brought myself to watch the show last night. This wasn't a eulogy... bust it was the best last work one could ask for!
Have had a Virgil quote taped to my computer for about a year and a half now. It reads "The only failure is not to try". That quote has played an insanely key role in a lot of the career/life choices I've made in the time since I discovered it, and still does now. Rest easy V.
I live about 20min away from where the show was held and I just couldn't find ticket info or anything for guests in time. I'll be visiting the off white store in Miami soon for sure.
Love his work. Love what he stood for.
Beautiful video on the show and on Virgil. Made me tear up. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Rip Virgil
I hope you take the time to cope & grieve Bliss. Love you dude.
Wouldn’t be here without him. First introduction to fashion online being from a small town in Oklahoma. He broke down barriers of entry for so many. One of my biggest inspirations and why I continue to pursue art and fashion to this day. RIP V
It was hard to watch any Virgil related content for awhile after, but the first week or so after, it was amazing seeing so many random artists and creatives posting support they received from him, like he sought them out and made a point to build them up.
Watching his last show, I can’t think of a more joyous celebration of someone’s work, and it was so soon after, but it just felt like Virgil. I think we’ll look back at this time and realize how much Virgil had an impact on the entire world. Great vid Bliss.
Like Virgil, I studied engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and I also received a certificate of studio art. I felt freed by taking these studio classes and surrounding myself with creatives. That’s why Virgil’s story spoke to me so much. He took one humanities course on Caravaggio, walked the same halls as me, and could not go on living without exploring this world of art and expression. Since leaving school, I’ve struggled with putting myself out there, allowing myself to fail in creative endeavors, and connecting with other artists. But Virgil’s lectures, interviews, creations, etc. have taught me to let go of this fear. It will be a process, but I hope to improve and never forget this notion. Virgil’s words and teachings will always motivate me.
I got into fashion a few years ago through Off White. Virgil's work was the point of confidence when others thought a man interested in fashion was strange. Virgil's art gave strength and confidence to move on, delve deeper into fashion and see the story behind his creations. He was the reason for me not to care what others say and to move on. He inspired me like no one had ever done before. Without him I wouldn't be here with the desire to study fashion design and to do what he inspired me and many others to do.
I was living Seoul South Korea in 2019 and V was playing dj set at mixmag 3rd year anniversary. The tickets were sold out pretty fast so i had no chance to enter:( then i decided to make my own wristband by sticking atm slip with chewing gum on my left wrist and it worked! i got inside, The show was cool, the kids were throwing LV shoes and Jordans to stage where Virgil was signing all of them and throwing back. Virgil played lots of techno and house music as well as hip hop greatest hits. After the show i was walking back to the subway station and all of a sudden black mercedes benz pulled over, that was virgil’s car! He opened the window asked if i could help taking a picture of him standing next to burberry billboard (with gigi hadid modeling), I said sure and he immediately gave me his phone then stroke a cute pose and i took few pictures. Then i returned his phone to him and he got back into his car and left. If there is anyone who was at that event 29/05/2019 please let me know. Rip VA
His simplicity inspired me , he said if you look at a piece of garbage with garbage its garbage but if you take a piece of garbage and give it a plain white back ground its art , I loved his work ethic and that's what keeps me going with my own brand but I'm inspired by those who just have drive and are creative and don't give up ya know Virgil is rite we all can do it !!!!
Im SO sad cannot get over this. Thank you for this video Bliss. I have watched Virgil´s lectures and was amazed by his creativity and kindness. Im a designer and he inspires me. He disrupted the industry with a unique aesthetic that broke the mold of what was cool and elegant. I believe he poured all his soul in his collections, to evoque and transmit the joy in life, even though he knew he had little time. He was a very strong person for doing that. Feeling the imminent final stop of life, feeling that you have limited time and STILL have the will, motivation and courage to continue and create unforgettable art really amazes and inspires me. He was one of the great ones. Forever will be missed. Im crying reading all the comments of people who where lucky and got to meet him. RIP Virgil.
watching this video midway through and just remembered why I repainted my room blue 2 years ago I was inspired by his second show and I wanted my room to feel like the clothes of that show I was going throw a hard time and wanted to break free and I remember watching that show and seeing something so magical about it. truly an inspiration what an artist
I found Virgil through you, I can't thank you enough.
Am speechless after watching this video. Thanks for sharing and RIP VIRGIL.
Virgil's lectures and interviews were my main sources of mentorship 2 years ago when I started my brand. Not to mention the amount his creative process has inspired me. Virgil really changed my life path completely. 🤍🕊
so beautifull what you said! i am a fashion teacher in sp brazil and i analized virgil’s fashion show in class. not only the enormous talent he had, but also the hole he played in the industrie, showing black people that they can be powerfull and also they can be very very charming wearing those fabulous outfits! i heard some words from my black students that really moved me. i m very sory, he left too early.
this was truly a beautiful video. Virgil abloh will be missed dearly, I will miss him dearly. thank you for this❤️❤️
I never had a chance to meet Virgil or buy any of his work, but as a creative man ive always admired his kindness and down to earth personality, i always adore artists who dont want to separete themselves from the people, and being such, teaching others to be kind and respectful to beginners and dreamers around, value courage of dedication and not wealth. Goodbye, Teacher.
Tonight, I find myself returning to this video. This is a beautiful tribute.
I had the pleasure of meeting Virgil back in the US OPEN (2018) just randomly walking in the main hallway of the stadium, he was alone yes ALONE he was texting and looking around and I wonder, how is this guy alone in this place? Anyway I approach to him to say hi, no jokes he salute me like I was one of his best friends (dude I was shocked) and we talk like 5 min about shoes, architecture and tennis it felt surreal, we take a picture in the end and I thank him for being and inspiration for young architects and he just said: and we are getting started…
Rest in power Virgil.
Well said. Thanks for sharing. He broke very real barriers and his authentic inclusivity and open mindedness makes him a shining star and unique in the fashion world
I probably wouldn’t have a fashion degree, at 23, if it wasn’t for this guy. He was one of my first inspirations in design and also one of the main reasons of why I chose to pursue Fashion Design as a career.
At 17, he made me feel like I could achieve the dream that so many kids like myself had, but chose to let go of it because of how far fetched they thought it was.
And so I created my own graphic t-shirts and had skateboarders wear them for advertisement, whilst I hand delivered them to local buyers on my BMX bike.
He made me believe in my concepts and inspired me to bring them to life, in this gated/prestige viewed craft called “Fashion Design”.
Rest in Paradise Virgil Abloh❤️🕊
🙏🏽PYREX VISION FOREVER🙏🏽
I was touched about what you said about Virgil. Thank you for sharing your experience
This is an elegant, beautiful homage to a phenomenal talent! I hope his loved ones will see this once they've moved into the later stages of grief; and this will be an aid in the healing process.
He was my entry point. He made fashion understandable, fun, playful, a million times more interesting, accessible, democratic. He broke down barriers like they were nothing.. because they were. They were all myths and he chose to believe in himself rather than the myths. The messages in his clothing were just so reachable. He was everyone's ladder to the "high" fashion. I saw so much of his work that I could actually connect with. He somehow could strike notes from my childhood over and over. He truly made me feel like my childhood, likes, interests, memories, reference points were valid and he just gave us the answers. He just shouted out the method. He cared. He wanted us all to win. ... I could dedicate an indefinite amount of time to writing about what he meant to me .. but I have to stop, just because I will only get more emotional and end up slacking on my responsibilities and I know he would want me and everyone to dedicate all our time and energy into ourselves and our own work so that we could reach higher. "Thank you" is an understatement. Like Foster said, what I have to offer him is nothing compared to what he gave, but here is a piece: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I will do more in other forms and other genres soon..
the music choice for the show was perfect!
I'm balling in tears 😭😭😭😭😭 Virgil was such an inspiration to me. Words can't express how much his Art and Artistry impacted my life. What a beautiful tribute to him. I'm hitting that Subscribe button. Thanks for this wonderful video. Rest Well Virgil...
I never got the chance to meet Virgil, but i did get to walk past him. I was at my lake house in Wisconsin and was walking back from playing basketball at the neighborhood court when i noticed a fairly familiar face. I could not believe me eyes. Walking past me was the man who I had looked up to for years. I ran back home and yelled inside” I just walked past virgil abloh.” I was convinced it was just some random guy who was bald and had a similar beard and physique. Sure enough, after hours of research, I really had walked by virgil abloh. It was a moment I never will forget. Every time I would go up after that I would walk past his house and see if his cars were in the driveway, waiting to finally meet him at the pool one day. But that day never came. I wish I had the guts to go up to him that day and have a conversation, but in life, we cannot live with regrets. Virgil always let his artistic visions speak for who he was as a person. He threw every thought, every idea that he could summon in his mind, into each garment. I know my story doesn’t involve a personal connection to him, but i thought it would speak to some people. Rest In Peace Virgil Abloh, may his legacy continue forever.
your videos made me appreciate Virgil's work much more than i could expect
Frank Ocean said in his post about Virgil “Grief is love that you don’t get to express.” I think Virgil embodied love in his work more than anything else. He wanted to make things he loved, he mentioned how he is always trying to do what he would’ve wanted to do when he was 17. He was trying to convey himself and his love for the world at his purest form and blazing a path for others to do so. I think it’s on creatives like me who have the privilege to express the love others cannot, to do so with everything we have.
Out of all his talents I think his most important, and something word needs a lot of, is his storytelling. Not just storytelling on its own, but it’s almost a childlike story telling. How everyone has a colorful and vast imagination as a kid and lose that overtime but some will keep that raw colorful imagination with them and he’s one of those people.
What a brilliant video Bliss - hugely touching and inspirational.
I had barley learned about Virgil Abloh through your video "Understanding Virgil's Louis Vuitton" and was so fascinated on his point of view on fashion. I've loved this art form for all of my life and the way he had such a heart for his work and for fashion was impeccable. I've loved many of his pieces before and learning about the show notes and the story behind it was inspirational. I'm very sad that he passed away as I barley got to learning about him, but he will forever have an impact on me, and will forever influence and be a motivation to put my heart into fashion and into anything that I whole heartedly love. He will live on forever as a true king and a true legend.
You started my love for Virg on this channel. Thanks for this.
im 15 at the moment and i got inspired by virgil when i was 11 years old, he got me into fashion and the art of fashion. He was the first person ive ever looked up to from a young age. His storytelling and shows and collections were so amazing. When i was 12 i read books of him and read about his havard speeches and the way he designed, i was so amazed and moved by him. His influence and everything he did for the culture is just so extraordinary. I will miss him forever and i hope i may some day be as good as he was
I’m in tears, this is so beautiful. I’ve realised since Virgil’s passing how significant his art and world has been on me, the culture I’ve been fortunate to be a part in, even just as someone who likes clothes and music, Virgil’s impact is felt in so many things I take part in and surround myself with❤️
I can just imagine what the fashion industry is going to be like, when all of us newcomers come out. The way people feels inpspired by how virgil was to people, and how open he was, is gonna inspire new desgners to be like him. The future is gonna be amazing because of how inspirationel he is
This man inderectly effected my life with his words, his joy, and his creativity. He not only opened the door for people like me who are eager to work anywhere they were allowed to just to say they work in fashion but, he did more than that he showed us how we can make it like he did. The day I found out he passed was the first time I had cried in years, it felt like a family member was taken away. It hurts to know that I won’t ever get the chance to thank him for what he’s done not only for me but for the thousands of thousands of people he inspired and pushed. Thank you virgil..
what I love about him the most is how he never failed to bring every form of art, design, and storytelling in his work. I used to worry about my design school being too multidisciplinary, but because of people like him, i haven't been scared to explore outside of 'specialisations'
I have so much respect for this man