“It’s a very sad moment, but we’ve got to celebrate his life, we’ve got to keep on pushing because he made a way for us to keep going, to keep being confident,” said the 35-year-old. Lamont Spears traveled from Atlanta just for the show, wearing a fuzzy LV monogrammed hoodie coat and a sweatshirt with Abloh’s picture. Instead, the show circled back to the bold hot air balloon as the designer’s voice said “life is short,” warning, “you can’t waste even a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do versus knowing what you can do” - a sort of anthem that a generation of young fans rallied behind. The designer’s traditional finale bow was not coming and never would again and as fireworks lit up the Miami skyline, the audience seemed painfully aware of his absence. Unlike most shows, no one got up to mingle or talk, but instead sat in heavy silence. The sparse clapping at the end was awkward. During and after the show, many in the audience wiped away tears, standing to hug each other or offer a pat of comfort. While the clothes were like Abloh - playful, colorful and vibrant - the mood was somber. Prints included tie dye hues and the iconic checkered logo redone in new color patterns. There was a sleek matte black ensemble that resembled SWAT gear, military style suits in olive with belted coats and even brightly color Southern-belle style hoop skirts. Models walked the meandering runway, showcasing the collection that featured everything from neon colored amphibian, aqua-gear looks with colorful fish backpacks to letterman style school sweaters and snow bunny looks with furry boots. “We had imagined it all and he was distraught not to be here in person,” Burke said.
He had just spoken to the young designer on Saturday night, describing the inspiration for the show as a coming of age of sorts because “inspiring and empowering younger generations defined who he was.” The brand’s CEO Michael Burke said Abloh’s wife and family wanted the show to go on. His groundbreaking fusions of streetwear and high couture made him one of the most celebrated tastemakers.Ī focal point of the show was a giant, red LV monogrammed hot air balloon that puffed flames as Abloh’s voice was heard in the background. “Hey Virgil,” she yelled at the start of her set, later saying “we want to see you fly.”Ībloh, who died Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer, was known for pushing boundaries as the head of the legendary French fashion house, thanks to his childlike curiosity and an eagerness to instill a sense of playfulness. Kid Cudi and Erykah Badu performed at an after-party. Celebrity attendees, including Kim Kardashian West and her daughter North, Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, model Bella Hadid, Joe Jonas, Maluma and Pharrell, arrived in sleek LV monogrammed silver speedboats. Guests were ferried by yachts to the star-studded affair held on an island.
The Miami menswear event, an unofficial kickoff to the prestigious Art Basel fair, had been in the works for months. fashion show turned into a somber yet whimsical tribute to groundbreaking designer Virgil Abloh days after his death.