It was an emotional start to Paris Fashion Week last night, with Off-White’s runway show presenting the late Virgil Abloh‘s final collection for the label, after his sudden passing in November.
Celebrities including Rihanna, Serena Williams, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell either watched or walked the show, which, despite the tragic circumstances, was more a celebration of Virgil’s talent than a tribute.
The collection, 𝚂𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝙴𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚑: 𝚊𝚗 “𝙸𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝙴𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎”, was teased as a ‘cultural reinterpretation, disruption and transformation open the door to future dialogues and formats. No expectations, no stereotypes, no status quo’.
It was a showcase of Virgil’s AW22 collection, which featured his signature flare for mixing high and low items such as oversized hoodies, sequin tops, tailoring and tongue-in-cheek t-shirts and logos, as well as unexpected accessories, this time a riding hat.
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 28: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Cindy Crawford walks the runway during the Off-White Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022-2023 show Spaceship Earth: An “Imaginary Experience” at Palais Brongniart during Paris Fashion Week on February 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)
But it was also the opportunity to to introduce his latest project, a couture fashion line without the pretentiousness of haute couture. He sadly didn’t get to finish it, so it was completed by his team and collaborators.
Naomi walked in crushed velvet skirt and a top made of necklaces, while Cindy showcased a tulle skirt and a bag emblazoned with ‘More Life’, perhaps a nod to Virgil’s health struggles, and Bella Hadid showed off a puff-sleeved wedding dress.
It’ll be a difficult show to follow for sure, though we’re excited to see what the likes of Dior, Chanel and Valentino have to offer. Keep scrolling for the best runway looks the AW22 collections shown at Paris Fashion Week, and here’s a recap of New York Fashion Week, London and Milan Fashion Week in case you missed them.