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 Off-White, Virgil Abloh
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 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 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 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 ...
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 ...
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 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 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 for Nike Dunk Low "Lot 48 of 50" Sneakers
By Virgil Abloh, Off-White
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...
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...
Gucci Alligator and Leather Boots Rare Fall Winter 2005 Sz 8
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Worn Twice Uppers are Perfect 2005 Runway Show * Gucci * U.S. Size: 8 * Soft Brown Leather * Alligator Uppers * Gold Buckle * 4.25" Heel * Gold Leather Lining * With Gucci Boot Dust ...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... Own a Piece of Fashion History His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
$1,267Sale Price|35% Off
Size: 38.5
New Vintage Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Collectible Heels Sz 38.5
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Size: 38.5 * Tom Ford Era Final Collection Heels This Collection was Featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art * Metallic Covered Heel * Double...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 38
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
2020 Chanel Black & White Printed Fabric Low Top Sneakers
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 2020 Chanel Black & White Printed Fabric Low Top Sneakers showcase a striking graffiti street art design that embodies both modern flair and classic elegance. With a black base adorned with bold white designs featuring words like "Coco" and "Chanel," these sneakers reinterpret the iconic brand’s heritage through an urban lens. Perfect for making a statement, they can be styled effortlessly with high-end designer items like an oversized Balenciaga hoodie, a pair of distressed Gucci jeans, or a tailored Alexander McQueen trench coat. To elevate your look further, consider accessorizing with a Prada bucket bag...
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 Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Rare Tom Ford Heels. This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 * Adjustable Ankle Stra...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 38
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Fi...
New Fendi Beaver Fur and Suede Platform Boots Booties Sz 38.5
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Fur Boots Brand New * Euro: 38.5 * Stunning Beaver Fur Lines the Front and the Inside of the Boots * Soft Taupe Nubuck Leather * Zips up the Back * 1.25" Front Platform * 4.7...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 36.5
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New as seen on Demi Moore * Stunning Black Satin Corset * Tom Ford's Final Years w/ YSL * Euro Size: 36.5 * Ribbon Secure Around Ankle * Leather Insole ...
New Tom Ford for Gucci Kate Moss Cage Heels Pumps Rare Sz 8
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Own a Piece of Fashion History Brand New * Iconic, Coveted "Cage" Heels * Black Cutout Leather * Pointed Toe Pumps *Nude Toe & Heel Back * 4" Heel * With ...
New Fendi Beaver Fur and Suede Platform Boots Booties Sz 37
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Fur Boots Brand New * Euro: 37 * Stunning Beaver Fur Lines the Front and the Inside of the Boots * Soft Taupe Nubuck Leather * Zips up the Back * 1.25" Front Platform * 4.75" H...
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 Mountain Cleats Sneakers ‘Purple’
By Off-White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Off-White Mountain Cleats Sneakers ‘Purple’. Additional information: Style code: OMIA210R21LEA0013701 Color: Purple Size: 40 (7 US) Country: Italy Include: Original packaging.
Off-White 3.0 Court Hi Top Women's Sneakers Burgundy
By Off-White
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Off-White 3.0 Court Hi Top Women's Sneakers Burgundy. Additional information: Style code: OWIA112E20LEA0012800 Color code: Burgundy (Rare) Size: 37 EU (7 US) Country: Italy Conditio...