Off-White Streetwear Gains Traction

Off-White was founded in 2013 by Virgil Abloh, an artist and designer with a master's degree in architecture. Abloh, who also served as the artistic director for Louis Vuitton menswear, described his brand's concept as "the gray area between black and white as the color off-white," blending streetwear with luxury fashion. Following Abloh's death in November 2021, stylist and Dazed editor-in-chief Ib Kamara was appointed as the brand's Art and Image Director in April 2022 to continue Abloh's legacy. Kamara, who had previously styled for the brand, was named Creative Director in February 2024. The brand has undergone significant ownership changes. Luxury conglomerate LVMH took a 60% stake in July 2021. However, in September 2024, LVMH sold Off-White to the brand management company Bluestar Alliance, which also operates brands like Hurley and Scotch & Soda. Off-White's signature design elements include the use of quotation marks, zip ties, and bold diagonal stripes, which became iconic in the streetwear world. Abloh's "3%" design approach suggested a new design could be created by altering an original by just three percent. The "Out of Office" sneaker, first released in 2020, was Virgil Abloh's creation inspired by late 1980s and early 1990s tennis shoes. The design merges street, basketball, and running influences into a versatile, everyday silhouette. The global streetwear market is a dominant force in the fashion industry, with a projected value of over $266 billion by 2032. This growth is fueled by the influence of hip-hop and skate cultures, along with a high demand for exclusive, urban-inspired apparel. Under Ib Kamara's direction, the brand's recent Spring 2026 show, titled "Pop Romance," was held on a high school basketball court in New York. The collection drew heavily on 1970s Black culture, hip-hop, and graffiti, signaling a maximalist and sport-influenced future.