UPDATED 7:02 p.m. ET: A rep for Virgil Abloh has provided a statement to Hypebeast regarding criticism the designer received over issues of diversity.
Off-White also sent out a statement on the matter.
See original story below.
Virgil Abloh's Off-White staff has been criticized for being too ... well, white.
The designer received backlash this week after he posted photos of a recent Off-White event attended by his employees. The pictures included shots of the brand's melanin-free "graphic team" and art directors, who Abloh described as a "crazy talented crew of kids." Followers were quick to point out the lack of diversity among the staff and began accusing Abloh of failing to support other black creatives.
Abloh—Louis Vuitton's first black artistic director—responded to the criticism Friday afternoon, posting photos of POC creatives whom he has worked with. The list of figures included Kid Cudi, Playboi Carti, Serena Williams, Heron Preston, Tremaine Emory, Andre Walker, and Fabien Montique.
He also shared a screenshot of a 2017 Complex report about his work with Chicago's at-risk youth, as well as a Vogue story about his support for an immigrant soccer team in Paris.
Related Stories
Off-White Reportedly Taking Legal Action Over Quotation Marks and Red Zip Ties
Off-White is known for its use of the simple but very effective design elements, and that notoriety serves as the basis for its legal argument.
It Sounds Like Virgil Abloh Previewed a New Drake and Swae Lee Collab
Word of Virgil Abloh previewing a Drake and Swae Lee collab now comes with visual evidence.
Louis Vuitton Unveils Fall Menswear Pre-Collection 'Staples Edition by Virgil Abloh'
The latest Louis Vuitton offering exhibits Abloh's precise tailoring and keen eye for detail in an array of wardrobe essentials for men.
He concluded his series of Instagram stories with these words: "Follow my whole design team. Support their creative ideas. Buy their clothes. Attend their events. Like their photos [...] Be global. Travel. Eat different food. Listen to techno. Walk don't Uber. Love your neighbor."
