Almost six months to the day since the death of Virgil Abloh, whose many achievements include the creation of Off-White, the label that is central to his legacy began detailing those who will succeed him.
In a post on Instagram, Off-White announced Ib Kamara in the role of art and image director. The platform used was especially appropriate, as the post detailed: “Ibrahim’s relationship with Virgil and Off-White born and nurtured through DM messages on Instagram, blossomed both personally and professionally in the last three years creating a strong bond based on mutual respect and shared values. In the new role, he will further develop his influence and insight on the brand’s collections, image, and content.”
A few minutes later Kamara reposted his portrait, commenting: “Virgil will forever be with us. With me. He changed the world and left an indelible mark on anyone who encountered him and beyond. Generous with his time, mind and creativity—he saw everyone and created with all humans in mind. I am honored to further link my ties to Off-White as their art and image director and be a part of the team that will tell the rest of the story Virgil started writing for us all.”
Following Off-White’s show in Paris this February, Davide De Giglio, co-founder of its parent company New Guards Group, signaled that the only way to continue the true spirit of Off-White would be to recruit a multitude of talents. Today’s announcement establishes one part of that collective.
Andrea Grilli, who has served as Off-White’s CEO since 2019, said: “In the wake of Virgil’s tragic passing we have been working tirelessly to keep his legacy alive and the brand relevant as a point of reference and platform in constant evolution. Inspired by Virgil’s vision and approach to his art we have nourished a collective of creative minds that represent the best in their category and have a strong and personal connection with Virgil. Having Ibrahim on board, who has been part of the Off-White family for years styling our shows, to oversee art and creative of the brand in this next chapter is a great honor. With his talent and vision we look forward to taking on the next chapter of Off-White together, always remembering the groundbreaking creativity and values that Virgil had at heart and that are the core of our brand.”
Conceptualized and overseen by Abloh from wherever in the world he happened to be on his endlessly peripatetic creative odyssey, Off-White is realized from its design studio in Milan. London-based Kamara, who in 2021 was appointed editor-in-chief of Dazed and is a former fashion editor-at-large for i-D , is a prodigious stylist and image-maker: He has worked across the fashion landscape with brands including Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Labrum London, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Kenneth Ize, and Erdem.
Kamara was named winner of the Isabella Blow Award at the British Fashion Council’s The Fashion Awards last November, only a day before Abloh’s shocking passing. In an interview then with Vogue’s Steff Yotka, Kamara said: “I am looking for ways we can even connect more young people globally. I hope it will really change the image makers who are going to come in the next generation. Can you imagine seeing themselves in images that can inspire them to make even better, maybe even, the most incredible imagery that we’ve seen? That’s what I want to see when I’m 40.”
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