In 2013, after having already worked for Fendi at the Italian label’s headquarters in Rome, Virgil Abloh (1980–2021) founded the Milan-based streetwear house Off-White, which is lauded for its hip collaborations and range of sneakers and shoes, shirts, hoodies and bags that are frequently emblazoned with bold graphics and the iconography of America’s metropolitan centers.
Four years later, Abloh released the first Off-White furniture line, Grey Area. In 2018, he became the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear division, making him one of the first Black designers to head a French luxury fashion house. By the time he celebrated his 40th birthday, the Illinois native had, seemingly, triumphed in every corner of the fashion and home design worlds.
Yet even with the Off-White and Louis Vuitton jobs, Abloh had time for a seemingly endless list of collaborations: designing shoes for Nike and Jimmy Choo, making furniture for Vitra and Ikea (“a super-dream project”), creating art with Takashi Murakami and Jenny Holzer, dressing Serena Williams and Beyoncé, co-branding with Levi’s and Evian, deejaying at Coachella and Lollapalooza.
Growing up outside Chicago, the son of Ghanaian immigrants, Abloh was neither cool nor controversial. He was, he told the New York Times, “an average sort of suburban kid, born in 1980, into watching Michael Jordan or listening to Guns N’ Roses.” He learned about design, fabrication and color from his mother, a seamstress, and his father, a paint company manager. Abloh earned a master’s degree in architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where his thesis was a skyscraper that leans out over the Chicago River to maximize light and views.
Abloh's process was incredibly innovative — he explained that if he was inspired by an object, he didn’t want to alter it any more than necessary. “I’m only interested in editing an idea or a concept by three percent,” he said. Not surprisingly, he flirted with the limits of permissible appropriation. His first clothing line consisted of flannel Ralph Lauren shirts on which he printed the word “Pyrex.” (Abloh’s Pyrex Vision label would later become Off-White.)
And his collaboration with Vitra included a version of Jean Prouvé’s Antony chair that has Plexiglass where Prouvé used plywood. In 2017, the Belgian designer Raf Simons told GQ that Abloh’s work was unoriginal. A month later, Abloh presented an Off-White collection cheekily titled Nothing New.
Find vintage Off-White clothing on 1stDibs.
OFF-WHITE X TIMBERLAND black velvet Ankle Boots Shoes 37
By Off-White
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Off-White X Timberland boots in back velvet. They feature a round toe, lace-up closure, a padded collar, a black logo plaque at outer s...
OFF-WHITE x JIMMY CHOO white quilted leather SARA 100 Boots Shoes 37
By Jimmy Choo, Off-White
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Off-White x Jimmy Choo 'Sara' collaboration for Spring/Summer 2018 in white padded and quilted lambskin. The design has a futuristic feel, raised by a conical heel and...
Nike Off White Women Air Jordan 4 Retro SP Sneakers US 8.5W Sail Virgil Abloh
By Off-White
Located in Miami, FL
- Jordan Brand Nike collaboration with Off White - Tagged size 8.5 in the Nike brand - Sail colorway - Comes with box Condition: The sneakers are in overall decent co...
Off-White for Nike Dunk Low Pine Green Sneakers 2019
By Virgil Abloh, Off-White
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Off-White for Nike Dunk Low Pine Green Sneakers from 2019 exemplify a perfect fusion of streetwear attitude and high-fashion innovation. Crafted with premium materials, these sneakers feature a sleek pine green leather upper accented by Off-White’s signature deconstructed aesthetic, including exposed foam details, zip ties, and Helvetica branding on the midsole. Designed by Virgil Abloh, these sneakers embody a minimalist yet edgy style that makes them versatile for various outfits. They pair effortlessly with designer items like a Balmain oversized blazer, a Gucci monogram bag, or Saint Laurent...
Off-White for Nike Dunk Low "Lot 10 of 50" Sneakers
By Virgil Abloh, Off-White
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Off-White for Nike Dunk Low "Lot 10 of 50" sneakers are a striking example of collaborative design that merges streetwear aesthetics with luxury fashion influences. Featuring a b...
OFF-WHITE taupe canvas & suede LOW-TOP Sneakers Shoes 42 fit 41
By Off-White
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Off-White low-top sneakers in taupe canvas with suede trim and black calfskin heel patch. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Measurements Imprinted Size ...
OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH Optic Chlorine Mid-Top Sneaker Shoes 37
By Off-White
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic OFF-WHITE c/o Virgil Abloh Optic Chlorine mid-top sneakers in white technical textile, pvc, mesh and light grey suede featuring a cloudy rubber sole and faux leather ...
Black & White Off-White Checkerboard Low-Top Sneakers Size 38
By Off-White
Located in New York, NY
Black and white checkerboard coated canvas low-top sneakers by Off-White. Rubber soles. Lace-up tie closures at tops. 1" platform height, 1" heel height. Designer Size: 38 US Recomm...
Off-White 3.0 Court Hi Top Women's Sneakers 'White'
By Off-White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Off-White 3.0 Court Hi Top Women's Sneakers 'White'. Additional information: Style code: OWIA112R20800068 Color: White Size: 35 EU (5 US) Country: Italy
Off-White Sz 38 Black Leather Ziptie Bootie 106of14
By Off-White
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 10" Width: 3" Height: 9.5" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: Box, Dust Bag Signs of Wear: Size: 38 EU Exterior: New Interio...
OFF-WHITE ivory & pink SPRAY PAINT ARROW Sneakers Shoes 37
By Off-White
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic OFF-WHITE Arrow low top sneakers in ivory distressed suede with white leather arrow and pink spray paint on the rubber sole. Have been ...
Off-White for Nike Dunk Low "Lot 48 of 50" Sneakers
By Off-White, Virgil Abloh
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Off-White for Nike Dunk Low "Lot 48 of 50" sneakers are a striking fusion of streetwear and high fashion. Featuring a crisp white base, these sneakers are accentuated by a subtle...
Off-White Black Leather Flower Embroidered Trainers Size IT 35
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to these trainers is evident. Small scuff to toe of left trainer. Minor creasing along outer back heel and along toe crease of this used Off-Whit...
New Rare Limited Edition Pink Brown Leather Louis Vuitton Monogram Crystals
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the ultimate footwear icon with the Louis Vuitton Trainer Low 'Pink Brown' 1A8Z6Y. Crafted from supple calfskin leather, this sneaker showcases a sophisticated blend of pi...
New Gucci GG Logo Web Mules Heels Size 37C
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Heels Brand New * Gucci GG Beige Logo Footbed * Red & Green Gucci Canvas Straps * Euro Size: 37 C (these run wide) * Gold Grommets * Gold...
$335Sale Price|55% Off
Size: MARKED Size: 41 fits a U.S. Size
New Edmundo Castillo Metallic Leather Espadrille Mule Heels Sz 40
By Edmundo Castillo
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Edmundo Castillo Brand New * MARKED Size: 41 fits a U.S. Size 10 These Run a Half Size Small * Braided Rope Espadrille insole * Metallic Gold Toe * Wooden Base * 1" Front Platf...
Dolce & Gabbana Taormina Lace Crystal Pumps Sz.38
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Krakow, PL
Dolce & Gabbana Taormina Lace Pumps with Crystals Sz.38 Excellent Condition Description: Elegant Dolce & Gabbana Bellucci pumps from the Rainbow Lace Collection, crafted in Taormina ...
New Gucci Flora Bamboo Runway Pumps Heels Sz 6.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Gucci Flora Heels Size: 6.5 Beautiful Iconic Canvas Flora Pattern Bamboo & Gold Hardware Leather Insole Wood Heel Heel Height 3" With Box
Tom Ford for Gucci Python Snake Head Ad Runway Heels Sz 37.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For Gucci Heels Worn Once for a Runway show * Stunning in Gold Python * Tom Ford's "Farewell Collection" w/ Gucci * Size: 37.5 * Gold Bamboo Heel Green Snake Head Jewel...
New Gucci Cruise 2007 Runway Flora Wedge Espadrille Heels Sz 7.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Cruise 2007 Wedges Size: 7.5 Brand New * Stunning Gucci Flora Wedges * Runway Cruise 2007 Line * Famous Flora Canvas Print * Blue & Cream *Woven Pla...
New Emilio Pucci Satin Slides Mules Resort 2018 Sz 36.5 $925
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New with Box Emilio Pucci $925 Resort 2018 Multi Satin Pucci Print Slides Size: 36.5 Satin Insole Leather Sole Heels: .5"
Chanel Boots with pearls and chains Black
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Boots with pearls and chains Black. Size 38. Stunning Chanel ankle boots in aged black leather with the leather bridle embellished with...
$1,696Sale Price|30% Off
Size: 37.5
New Fendi Karl Lagerfeld 2014 Ad Runway Fur Boots Booties Sz 37.5 With Box
By Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Calf Hair Fur Boots Karl Lagerfeld 2014 Brand New With Box * Euro: 37.5 * Stunning Rust Colored Calf Hair Boots * Wrap-Around Straps & Concealed Zip Closure at Sides * 4.25" ...
Chanel Tweed Pearl CC Thong Sandals
By Chanel
Located in Dallas, TX
Chanel Tweed Pearl CC Thong Sandals Color: Ivory Size: 38.5 Condition: Fair Iconic Chanel thong sandals crafted in ivory tweed with a quilted leat...
Rare & Iconic Saint Laurent Jamie Heels Org Price 2400€ size 40
By Saint Laurent
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Saint Laurent Jamie Heels Org Price 2400€ size 40 Perfect condition Are you looking for the perfect statement shoe that will elevate your outfit to the next level? Look no further...
Off-White White & Blue Mid Top Sponge Trainers Size IT 39
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the trainers is evident. Minimal wear to the toe box on both shoes where creasing to the leather is visible. Abrasion on the toe box of both s...
Off-White Black Lace Up Espadrilles Size IT 40
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the espadrilles is evident. Minimal wear to the left counter where discolouration is visible on this used Off-White designer resale item. This...
Off-White Black Lace Up Espadrilles Size IT 40
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Verygood. Minimal wear to the espadrilles is evident. Minimal wear to the left counter where discolouration is visible on this used Off-White designer resale item. This ...
Off-White Pink Patent Out Of Office Trainers Size IT 38.5
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the shoes is evident. Marks on the rim of both soles and on the left toe box. Abrasion on the left side of the left shoe. Pealing to the leath...
Off-White Pink Patent Out Of Office Trainers Size IT 38.5
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the shoes is evident. Marks on the rim of both soles and on the left toe box. Abrasion on the left side of the left shoe. Pealing to the leath...
Off-White Suede & Cloth Arrow Trainers Size IT 39
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the trainers is evident. Minimal wear to the left toe box, counter, rim of the sole and both sides of both shoes where discolouration is visib...
Off-White White Leather Zip Tie Boots Size IT 39
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the boots is evident. Abrasion and mark to the left counter, toe cap, upper and heel on both shoes on this used Off-White designer resale item...
Off-White Pink Patent Out Of Office Trainers Size IT 38.5
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the shoes is evident. Marks on the rim of both soles and on the left toe box. Abrasion on the left side of the left shoe. Pealing to the leath...
Off-White White Low Vulcanised Trainers Size IT 35
By Off-White
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the trainers is evident. One small mark on the toe box of the left shoe. General creasing to the leather at the top of the counter on both sho...
Off-White Women’s HG Runner Mixed-Media Suede Sneakers ‘Violet Coral’
By Off-White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Off-White Women’s HG Runner Mixed-Media Suede Sneakers ‘Violet Coral’. Additional information: Material: Mixed-Media Suede Style code: OWIA163S20LEA0013526 Color: Fuchsia, Violet C...
Off-White Women’s Mountain Cleats Sneakers
By Off-White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Off-White Women’s Mountain Cleats Sneakers. Additional information: Style code: OWIA258F20LEA0010184 Color: White - Multicolored Size: 36 EU (6 US) Country: Italy
Off-White Women’s HG Runner Mixed-Media Suede Sneakers ‘Grey Fuchsia’
By Off-White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Off-White Women’s HG Runner Mixed-Media Suede Sneakers ‘Grey Fuchsia’. Additional information: Material: Mixed-Media Suede Style code: OWIA163R20D801110828 Color: Grey, Grey Fuchsia...