Thank you, Virgil Abloh
The Hindu
The polymath designer-architect succumbed to his battle against cancer at age 41, but the fashion language and legacy he leaves behind will continue to drive generations
When we look back at the history of civilisation, there will be some poignant defining moments in every field, moments which made the industry do a complete 180 degree on whatever was happening till then. When Virgil Abloh decided to purchase old Ralph Lauren ware for 40-odd dollars, paint over them, and then sell them for more than 10 times the price under his newly-christened brand, Pyrex Vision, few knew he would change the world of fashion forever — swiftly and so slickly that even the biggest of names would have to fall in (this new) line.
But Pyrex wasn’t even about the profits; it had a far deeper message: one of representing youth culture and shining the light on what will soon come to be defined as streetwear. It was a mirror being held up to the fashion stalwarts, to show them just how apathetic the entire industry was to the voices of the current generation. Virgil with one little move, got everyone to sit up and take notice. And all this when he was barely getting started.