© OFF-WHITE
Off-White presents “Laboratory of Fun”
JULY 5, 2021 → WORDS RONALD KAHIHIKOLO
Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week took place in blood for the first time since the pandemic and opened with the Off-White fall-winter 2021-2022 collection. Virgil Abloh embraces the fluidity of grown-up culture in his new collection ‘Laboratory of Fun’ which adopts an aesthetically linear and structure-driven approach. The show made its debut this past weekend and featured around 54 mixed silhouettes that relied mostly on tailoring and traditionalist shapes.
“It symbolizes an evolution in Off-White ™ approach, which continues to investigate the no longer clear boundaries between different disciplines and inspirations,” Abloh explains. “It is about pushing aesthetics into a story, into a space of profound exploration.” The collection echoes the designer’s training as an architect and this is accentuated by the precise approach to the structure of the garments.
The precision silhouettes coupled with the monochromatic looks seem to be highlighted all throughout with a notable reduction in graphic elements — symbolizing the birth of a new trajectory for the brand. About the latter, Abloh spoke backstage at the show: “Off-White is aging. I was given the torch of youthful fashion, what’s happening in the next generation, and I think in the last year I’ve aged the fastest that I ever could have,” the designer explained.
Gone are the days of the too-cool-for-school millennial ardor of distorted graphics; in its place, a collection where supermodels paraded in velour dresses, structured suits, elegant trench coats, and evening dresses. All of which were painted in shades of gray, neutrals and oranges, and muted yellows and blues. The technical fabrics injected into each piece highlighted a minimalist approach and imbued with gestures of haute couture.
“I get frustrated when the message becomes monotonous. I need evolution,” the designer said. “This is the first major rebellion against that. The world has changed, and I like that this collection challenges the audience that surrounds Off-White. It doesn’t play into it.”
Overall, the collection heavily features elongated tailoring and square-shoulder coat dresses that highlight closures that extend from head to toe. The oversized cable knits are splotched with tye-dye prints and tailored blazers have super meticulous cuts. The trousers are boxy, while the outerwear and evening pieces are sewn with studs. Sculptural garments manifest themselves through each silhouette, especially through padded vests. Single-breasted blazers, drawn-out overcoats, and knitwear include metallic accents. The collection also includes panoramic accessories - puffy and fur bags, and knitted masks with horns. It’s all polished with eccentric shades, chunky boots, and heels that give dynamism to the minimal rigor of clothing.
Abloh materialized his ideas in the form of various elements to show that once again, he is ahead of the curve in every sense. His ability to adapt to the current waves of fashion has propelled him onto a level where others can’t help but turn their heads.
© OFF-WHITE
Off-White presents “Laboratory of Fun”
JULY 5, 2021 → WORDS RONALD KAHIHIKOLO
Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week took place in blood for the first time since the pandemic and opened with the Off-White fall-winter 2021-2022 collection. Virgil Abloh embraces the fluidity of grown-up culture in his new collection ‘Laboratory of Fun’ which adopts an aesthetically linear and structure-driven approach. The show made its debut this past weekend and featured around 54 mixed silhouettes that relied mostly on tailoring and traditionalist shapes.
“It symbolizes an evolution in Off-White ™ approach, which continues to investigate the no longer clear boundaries between different disciplines and inspirations,” Abloh explains. “It is about pushing aesthetics into a story, into a space of profound exploration.” The collection echoes the designer’s training as an architect and this is accentuated by the precise approach to the structure of the garments.
The precision silhouettes coupled with the monochromatic looks seem to be highlighted all throughout with a notable reduction in graphic elements — symbolizing the birth of a new trajectory for the brand. About the latter, Abloh spoke backstage at the show: “Off-White is aging. I was given the torch of youthful fashion, what’s happening in the next generation, and I think in the last year I’ve aged the fastest that I ever could have,” the designer explained.
Gone are the days of the too-cool-for-school millennial ardor of distorted graphics; in its place, a collection where supermodels paraded in velour dresses, structured suits, elegant trench coats, and evening dresses. All of which were painted in shades of gray, neutrals and oranges, and muted yellows and blues. The technical fabrics injected into each piece highlighted a minimalist approach and imbued with gestures of haute couture.
“I get frustrated when the message becomes monotonous. I need evolution,” the designer said. “This is the first major rebellion against that. The world has changed, and I like that this collection challenges the audience that surrounds Off-White. It doesn’t play into it.”
Overall, the collection heavily features elongated tailoring and square-shoulder coat dresses that highlight closures that extend from head to toe. The oversized cable knits are splotched with tye-dye prints and tailored blazers have super meticulous cuts. The trousers are boxy, while the outerwear and evening pieces are sewn with studs. Sculptural garments manifest themselves through each silhouette, especially through padded vests. Single-breasted blazers, drawn-out overcoats, and knitwear include metallic accents. The collection also includes panoramic accessories - puffy and fur bags, and knitted masks with horns. It’s all polished with eccentric shades, chunky boots, and heels that give dynamism to the minimal rigor of clothing.
Abloh materialized his ideas in the form of various elements to show that once again, he is ahead of the curve in every sense. His ability to adapt to the current waves of fashion has propelled him onto a level where others can’t help but turn their heads.