Nordstrom has honored Virgil Abloh with a new multi-piece capsule from white tears, denim, and more
As many have commented since his death in November, late designer Virgil Abloh has not stopped working and collaborating on a number of things, anything, everything, all time. Today, department store Nordstrom announced a new capsule that unites some of the designer’s top projects under one banner. Created in partnership with Abloh’s real estate, this capsule features clothing and other products spanning Abloh’s vast multi-industry operation, which is part of his Off-White fashion label, the studio. Alaska Alaska creation, Canary Yellow art store and Church & State merchandise from “Pictures of words” recall currently on view at the Brooklyn Museum. (Nordstrom is also the main sponsor of the exhibition, and images of the campaign were shot on Beaux-Arts Court inside the museum.)
The capsule, called Concept 018: Virgil Abloh Securities, is the latest in a series of the store’s ongoing “New Con Concept @ Nordstrom” collection and pop-up store, which has previously featured brands such as Dior, Thom Browne, 1017 ALYX 9SM and Fear of God.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
The first launch, now available on Nordstrom’s website, includes a new group of Off-White and Nordstrom co-branded products including men’s and women’s clothing, footwear and accessories, in addition to some goods of Church & State. Highlights include a pair of Dickies print work pants, a sky blue handbag with Abloh’s signature Hole “Meteor” pattern, and a felt shirt and kilometer kit that resembles Abloh’s original “Pyrex 23” prototype. According to Jian DeLeon, Nordstrom’s menswear and editorial director, reviving and playing with branded people is an important part of this process.
“The Off-White capsule is a personal favorite because of the way it gets the meta,” says DeLeon, noting that the partnership has already begun, as many Abloh projects have done, with a chat with the designer’s team on WhatsApp. “Virgil’s team dug into Nordstrom’s own graphics archive to recreate a logo We haven’t used it since the 1970s but it looks fresh and relevant today. They also found a way to turn his hand-drawn graffiti into a typeface, decorating items like a varsity jacket — an item Virgil especially loves. in his collection. “
The second drop, due out mid-September, will feature two additional collaborations with Tremaine Emoryby Denim Tears brand and American skater Sal Barbier: the former will feature “Pyrex Tears” hoodies, another interesting take on Abloh’s early designs; second, the ice skating rink, clothing and sneakers under the Off-White brand. There will also be four gender-neutral fragrances from Off-White’s first beauty collection “Paperwork”, which Abloh has formulated to “encourage human potential”.
The first launch will be available to shop online, as well as at select Nordstrom locations, through the end of October.
