Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech

The essential volume on the great fashion designer, entrepreneur and Louis Vuitton artistic director, back in printThis authoritative Virgil Abloh compendium, created by the designer himself, accompanies his acclaimed landmark 2019–23 touring exhibition and offers in-depth analysis of his career and his inspirations. More than a catalog, Figures of Speech is a 500-page user’s manual to Abloh's genre-bending work in art, fashion and design.The first section features essays and an interview that examine Abloh’s oeuvre through the lenses of contemporary art history, architecture, streetwear, high fashion and race, to provide insight into a prolific and impactful career that cuts across mediums, connecting visual artists, musicians, graphic designers, fashion designers, major brands and architects. The book also contains a massive archive of images culled from Abloh’s personal files on major projects, revealing behind-the-scenes snapshots, prototypes, inspirations and more—accompanied by intimate commentary from the artist. Finally, a gorgeous full-color plate section offers a detailed view of Abloh’s work across disciplines.Virgil Abloh (1980–2021) was a fashion designer and entrepreneur, and the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's wear collection from 2018 to 2021. He was also CEO of the Milan-based label Off-White, a fashion house he founded in 2013. Born in Rockford, Illinois, to Ghanaian parents, he entered the world of fashion with an internship at Fendi in 2009 alongside rapper Kanye West. The two began an artistic collaboration that would launch Abloh's career with the founding of Off-White. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.

“A celebration of the work of a prolific creator who succeeded not just by bringing his own visions to life but by sharing the blueprint for others to do the same for themselves.”

Attests to Abloh’s ability to combine the classic with the zeitgeist of the here and now. -- Alice Godwin Artland
Bears witness to the dizzying expanse of Abloh’s work and creativity. -- Cady Lang TIME
-- Alison S. Cohn Harper's Bazaar
The show’s hefty, excellent catalog […] deploys a titillating level of detail. -- Jon Caramanica New York Times
...The object that is really worth coveting is the book. More than a simple catalog it’s a 500 page User’s Manual to his career. -- Craighton Berman Core77
Expect it to fly off the shelves like freshly baked cookies AIROWS
Figures of Speech is packed with 1,932 images and a number of essays which discuss race, contemporary art history, streetwear and more. Altogether, [it] spans 496 pages and features a fittingly minimalist hardback cover. -- Eric Brain Hypebeast

The essential volume on the great fashion designer, entrepreneur and Louis Vuitton artistic director, back in print This authoritative Virgil Abloh compendium, created by the designer himself, accompanies his acclaimed landmark 2019-23 touring exhibition and offers in-depth analysis of his career and his inspirations. More than a catalog, Figures of Speech is a 500-page user's manual to Abloh's genre-bending work in art, fashion and design. The first section features essays and an interview that examine Abloh's oeuvre through the lenses of contemporary art history, architecture, streetwear, high fashion and race, to provide insight into a prolific and impactful career that cuts across mediums, connecting visual artists, musicians, graphic designers, fashion designers, major brands and architects. The book also contains a massive archive of images culled from Abloh's personal files on major projects, revealing behind-the-scenes snapshots, prototypes, inspirations and more--accompanied by intimate commentary from the artist. Finally, a gorgeous full-color plate section offers a detailed view of Abloh's work across disciplines. Virgil Abloh (1980-2021) was a fashion designer and entrepreneur, and the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's wear collection from 2018 to 2021. He was also CEO of the Milan-based label Off-White, a fashion house he founded in 2013. Born in Rockford, Illinois, to Ghanaian parents, he entered the world of fashion with an internship at Fendi in 2009 alongside rapper Kanye West. The two began an artistic collaboration that would launch Abloh's career with the founding of Off-White. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.