Virgil Abloh Reportedly Candidate for Givenchy's New Creative Director

Sources say Givenchy is eyeing Off-White founder Virgil Abloh to replace former creative director Riccardo Tisci.

February 7, 2017

This is a photo of Virgil Abloh. — Image via Getty/Kristy Sparow
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Following last week’s announcement that Riccardo Tisci has left his post at Givenchy, rumors immediately began circulating about his possible replacement. Luxury designers Hedi Slimane, Clare Waight Keller, and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing are just some of the names that have been thrown around; however, there’s one potential—and unexpected—candidate who is generating a lot of buzz: Virgil Abloh.

According to WWD, sources say the Off-White founder is being considered to replace Tisci as Givenchy’s creative director. The French fashion house is reportedly in talks with the American designer to take on the position, but the parties have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

When asked about the rumor, Abloh simply reiterated his desire to work with a luxury brand: “My trajectory is to update and provide something new in the fashion industry by way of creating a project and using it as a case study on how to update a luxury house,” he told WWD.

A spokeswoman for Givenchy had no comment.

In addition to launching Off-White and the Chicago-based boutique RSVP Gallery, Abloh has also gained notoriety as Kanye West’s good friend and trusted creative director; however, it’s clear he’s no longer living in the rapper’s shadow. Since its inception in 2013, Abloh’s Off-White has become one of the most recognizable names in luxury streetwear—known mostly for its bold branding and diagonal line motif. The label has since collaborated with some of the biggest brands, and has gone on to receive notable honors.