Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh Classic Cartoon Cover

Description

Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh is the first book on the visionary designer since his passing on November 28, 2021. It is a testament to a relationship that changed the course of fashion history. The appointment of Virgil Abloh as Men’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton — the house’s first African American to hold that role — marked both a moment and a movement, the origin point of luxury’s new era, one defined by inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. Written by Abloh’s close collaborator, Anders Christian Madsen, the title offers an intimate, insider portrait of a man born to break boundaries on and off the runway. Divided into eight chapters, one for each of the eight Virgil-orchestrated Louis Vuitton menswear collections and shows —plus the complete catalogue of the designer’s sneakers — Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh deep-dives readers into a singular, kite-flying, rainbow-colored world filled with rich cultural reference points and narratives, from The Wizard of Oz and James Baldwin to ‘90s hip-hop style and a mind-bending 1969 drum solo. With over 320 stunningly iconic images and personal reflections from Virgil’s inner circle, including Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Luka Sabbat, Kendall Jenner, and Kid Cudi, the book is the definitive chronicle and exploration of a partnership that redefined not only dress codes but their very vocabulary.

Madsen notes that “as a Black creative with no formal training in fashion design, no list of established fashion houses on his CV […] Abloh saw himself as an infiltrator in high fashion: a true outsider who would become a groundbreaking figure.”

Interspersed with quotes from Virgil Abloh himself, or “Abloh-isms,” the title is also accompanied by in-depth captions that allow the reader to contextualise every stage of the designer’s story—both personal and professional—at Louis Vuitton. All the major highlights of Abloh’s tenure at Louis Vuitton are included, like his first campaign for the Maison, Shot by Inez & Vinoodh, featuring a three-year-old girl dressed in a sample-sized Yellow Brick Road sweater from the spring-summer 2019 collection. And, of course, Abloh’s mastery of the limited-edition objet d’art in the form of imaginative three-dimensional show invitations. Think: a T-shirt whose colour corresponded to the section of the rainbow runway the guests would be seated on, a glove evocative of the stage costumes of Abloh’s childhood idols, or a wooden model plane.

About Assouline:

Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple’s experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives. Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Over the last quarter of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations worldwide. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated library service, working closely with clients to visualise, design, and develop bespoke, one-of-a-kind libraries.

With a distinguished team of creative talents, which includes the founders’ son Alexandre, the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators consists of some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers, and designers. Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir-faire, which has globally redefined the modern publishing landscape. Learn more