Virgil Was Here (FWC TBFashion)

The world will never be same without you, V. You were a trailblazer, you made us regular people believe that we too could achieve our dreams no matter how grand they were. Because you did the same, you achieved your dreams, no chip, no references, no backdoors. you worked your way from the bottom and kicked doors down for all of us, V. A day doesn’t go by when we don’t think of you, what a larger than life soul you had. Thank you Virgil. Virgil was here, and always will be ✈

In November 2021, the fashion world was struck by the sudden and devastating news of Virgil Abloh’s untimely passing. The loss of this young visionary, brimming with insight, enthusiasm, and generosity, reverberated far beyond the realms of fashion. Yet, as I walked out of the mesmerizing Louis Vuitton show in Miami’s Maritime Marina, designed by Abloh himself, it became apparent that he not only possessed a profound understanding of his fate but also wielded a masterful control over it.

The symbolism woven into the event was striking. A monumental statue of Virigl Abloh stood between the show and the post-show concert venue, its gaze fixated on a scarlet, L.V.-logoed hot-air balloon yearning to ascend, seemingly beckoning to the heavens. The collection, while partly a reiteration of the previous Paris show in June, effortlessly navigated a vast landscape of cultural references—a testament to Virigl Abloh’s fearlessness and unwavering pride in his heritage. The soundtrack, only minimally altered after his passing, embraced both exuberance and melancholy, crafting a eulogical ambiance. The drone-choreographed light display traced the trajectory of a paper plane, disappearing into the beyond before spelling out the poignant message, “Virgil was here.” Originally intended as a postmodern trunk show coinciding with Art Basel, the event took on new significance following the tragic news. The Arnaults, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, and countless others—touched and inspired by Virgil Abloh’s brilliance—gathered to pay tribute.

Before the models graced the runway, Louis Vuitton’s CEO, Michael Burke, delivered a speech filled with emotion. Against the backdrop of rustling birch trees stirred by the offshore wind, his voice occasionally cracked as he addressed the audience. Burke revealed that the profoundly moving show we were about to witness had been conceived through discussions with Virigl Abloh three years prior. It was a reimagination of the traditional coming-of-age narrative, meticulously infused with Virigl Abloh’s unique vision for the 21st century. He emphasized that the concept of coming of age held great importance for Virigl Abloh, as he dedicated his life to inspiring and empowering younger generations. Through his platform, Virigl Abloh shattered boundaries, opened doors, and illuminated his creative passions—art, design, music, and, of course, fashion—so that everyone could catch a glimpse inside. He aimed not only to inspire dreams but also to help make those dreams a tangible reality.

As the models gracefully strutted in the fading light of dusk, adorned in garments that joyfully defied archetypes and seamlessly merged genres, it felt as though we were witnessing the culmination of Virgil Abloh’s artistic vision one last time. Despite the profound impact he had on so many, it was a cruel twist of fate that Virgil Abloh could not be there to witness the unfolding of this extraordinary show alongside us. While his design philosophy will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of contemporary fashion, we cannot help but mourn the loss of a trailblazer and legend—a visionary whose legacy will forever be etched in our collective memory.