Decoded: A New Exhibition in Paris Reveals Virgil Abloh’s Design Process and Digs Deep Into His Archive

“Those of us who were closest to Virgil believed we had seen it all, yet his body of work reveals an infinite and astonishing range of creativity,” remarked collaborator Benji B, highlighting Abloh’s vast design legacy, particularly through his work on Louis Vuitton’s runway soundtracks. “Only in hindsight can we piece everything together and recognize that it all resonates and is part of a singular dialogue.”

The exhibition goes beyond merely presenting tangible creations; it compellingly showcases Abloh’s handwritten notes, filled with visible codes. His sketches encapsulate the essence of his creative process, while video displays of him DJing capture his relentless enthusiasm. The show successfully avoids excessive nostalgia, instead evoking a profound sense of wonder and inspiration.

Abloh’s appreciation for design paralleled the Japanese otaku culture, characterized by an obsession with diverse forms of pop culture. He was a voracious collector of fashion and design pieces, engaged in the archiving and documenting of cultural artifacts. This ethos sparked the central question of the exhibition: What Would Virgil Do? As part of the creative team, Athiththan Selvendran, chief creative officer of the Virgil Abloh Foundation, and Michael Abel Deng collaborated closely to shape the narrative of the exhibition. “We often imagined what his input might be,” stated Chloe. “However, true to Virgil’s spirit, he always encouraged us to forge our own paths.”

Set to conclude on October 9th, this exhibition was thoughtfully designed to rekindle the vibrant community spirit that Virgil nurtured during Fashion Week. It serves as a grand reunion for his friends, family, and collaborators. The program includes various talks, workshops, and performance-based activities under the banner of Virgil Abloh: World’s Fair. It aims to stimulate meaningful discussions and explorations of his diverse interests, spotlighting unique Parisian locales such as the Ofr bookshop, Castor Fleuriste, and Wild & the Moon.