“"There is no line between a designer and a consumer." - Virgil Abloh

Since the beginning of his career, the multidisciplinary work of late visionary artist and designer Virgil Abloh (Rockford, Illinois, 1980–2021, Chicago, Illinois) has reshaped how we understand the role of fashion, art, design, and music in contemporary culture. Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech,” developed by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, is the first museum exhibition devoted to Abloh’s work. It spans two decades of his practice, including collaborations with artists Takashi Murakami and Arthur Jafa, and photographer Juergen Teller, among others; material from his fashion label Off-White; and items from Louis Vuitton, where he served as the first Black menswear artistic director.

(Photo: Bogdan Plakov)

Duro Olowu is a Nigerian-born British fashion designer. He is best known for his innovative combinations of patterns and textiles that draw inspiration from his international background. Upon curating this exhibit, he tells Architectural Digest that Paige's work is "important for its use of both historical and contemporary African American art references as well as its respectful and expansive use of international influences, particularly those from the continent."