Virgil Abloh's SS 2020 Collections: Streetwear Meets Haute Couture in Paris

Virgil Abloh presented three collections during Paris Fashion Week SS 2020: Louis Vuitton on June 20, Off-White on June 19, and a Nike teaser on June 18. At Louis Vuitton, Abloh showcased looks balancing streetwear and tailoring, featuring outwear jackets and technical pants with functional details like pockets and straps, alongside pleated garments. Crocodile accessories appeared, reflecting LVMH's ambiguous stance on fur and leather. Five 'abstract' looks included models wearing containers paired with kites strapped across the chest, creating a harness effect. The Off-White show, titled PLASTIC, featured a sculpture by New York artist Futura 2000 (Lenny McGurr) made of blue-tinted plastic, set in a field of white flowers. Recycled plastic invitations bore a graphic combining Pointman's silhouette and Off-White's logo over torn metal mesh, a motif repeated on fabrics. Rapper Sheck Wes opened the show in a white look with Futura's graffiti; subsequent outfits featured the torn mesh pattern, gradient garments, and tie-dye jeans. Abloh's frenetic activity includes collaborations with Nike, Supreme, Rimowa, Ikea, and Evian. In an interview with Artribune Magazine, he stated, 'I work best when I'm busy. I don't see it as a risk, I can't imagine myself any other way.' The article questions whether luxury prêt-à-porter is becoming a promotional tool for mass-market items like Nike SB Dunk Low sneakers at €120.