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For quite a long time we were wondering how to attractively approach the topic of creativity. We decided that it is worth doing it through the silhouette of one of the most outstanding contemporary creators. Sit back and be inspired to make a difference!

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“I'm always trying to prove to my 17-year-old self that I can do creative things I thought weren't possible.”

– Virgil Abloh

GET INSPIRED

Virgil Abloh wasn’t just a designer – he was a creative architect of an era, rewriting the rules and blurring the lines between streetwear and luxury. His fearless vision, merging fashion, art, and culture, cemented him as a true icon of contemporary creativity. Though he passed too soon in 2021, his influence still reverberates through runways and street style alike.

Born in 1980 in Rockford, Illinois, Abloh grew up at the intersection of ’90s hip-hop, skateboarding, and streetwear. His path to fashion was unconventional – he studied architecture instead of design, a background that shaped his structured, form-driven aesthetic.

His breakthrough came when he met Kanye West, initially designing graphics and visual concepts before becoming West’s artistic director. In 2013, he launched Off-White, a brand that quickly became synonymous with a new wave of luxury: intellectual, rebellious, and steeped in cultural references. In 2018, he made history as the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, proving that fashion is a space for inclusivity and diversity.

His creative ethos? A 3% change is enough to make something new. This subtle reinvention of classics became his signature. Abloh drew inspiration from architecture, music (he was a DJ), art, and sports, crafting collections that were more than just clothes – they were cultural statements.

This principle reflects his approach to remixing, reinterpretation, and transformation of visual culture. In this way, Abloh bridged the worlds of streetwear, art, architecture, and luxury fashion, creating unique designs that resonated with a broad audience.

Nike x Off-White “The Ten” – One of Abloh’s most famous projects was his collaboration with Nike, in which he reimagined classic sneaker models by adding details such as quotation-marked text, industrial tags, exposed stitching, and unconventional graphic placements. Despite minimal changes, the final result gave the shoes an entirely new character.

✻ Wondering how much Virgil’s shoes are worth today? In 2022 they were auctioned at Sotheby’s, with an estimated value between $30,000 and $40,000.

Louis Vuitton – As the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear line, Abloh applied his principle to luxury fashion, reinterpreting classic designs and infusing them with modern, streetwear-inspired elements.

Graphics and Branding – Abloh was known for simple yet striking modifications in typography, graphic layout, and branding. Quotation marks, arrows, industrial influences—these elements became hallmarks of his style.

Virgil Abloh’s philosophy inspires not only fashion designers but also creatives across various fields, including architecture, music, graphic design, and applied arts. His approach demonstrates that innovation doesn’t always require drastic changes – sometimes, a subtle modification is enough to create something fresh and original. In an era where remix culture and reinterpretation play a crucial role, the 3% rule remains a relevant and valuable creative tool.

A 3% change is enough to make something new.

Virgil Abloh made luxury more accessible – not just aesthetically, but culturally. His fashion shows weren’t just collections; they were social commentaries. His debut for Louis Vuitton (SS19) explored themes of travel and racial diversity, with symbolism drawn from The Wizard of Oz – a metaphor for his own journey to the top.

He didn’t just change fashion – he changed how we think about creativity. He proved that boundaries between disciplines are illusions, and true innovation happens at the crossroads of different worlds. His vision continues to inspire through Off-White and beyond.

Though he’s gone, his ideas remain. And that’s why Virgil Abloh will forever be remembered as an icon of fashion, art, and culture.

Do you agree that the 3% rule has the right to work in everyday life?

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