No words can comprehend the energy felt in the room during Off White’s official Spring ’23 “Celebration” debut – though this time with Ibrahim Kamara steering the ship. In a zeitgeist of remembrance and love, global swarms of fans and friends gathered in a curious and youthful spirit to celebrate the founder, the late Virgil Abloh, and all of his life’s work. With today, September 30th, ringing in as Abloh’s birthday, the collection shined a light on periods of reflection on what was in anticipation of what follows. Progress is in progress. Now entrusted – with a legacy-in the hands of Dazed editor and chief Ibrahim Kamara, a concoction of ideas collided, instigating a celebration of the freedom to dream, create, and choose.  

Defining the gray area between black and White, Off White’s latest collection opened the door to multiple possibilities – answering the question on everyone’s minds, “where do they go from here?” We’ll tell you. It’s straight up, baby. Though a formally trained engineer and architect, Virgil explored nuances and challenged notions of luxury through style and dress. Conceptualized in the space of inspiration and willingness, he set forth his way into the fashion establishment, carving space for his peers and collaborators. That being said, the door has always been left open for anyone eager to follow his path. Educated and enthusiastic to dream, Off–White™ belonged to the culture as much as it was Virgil’s own. With Kamara’s new reigning title as image and art director, a regenerative spirit is thoughtfully fused within the latest looks, also unexpectedly adopting a stance on antiabortion laws flooding America. 

No stranger to addressing the negligence of governments, Kamara collaborative reframes the words of neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer’s famous ’86 artwork ‘Abuse of Power Comes as No Surprise’ to an ‘Abuse of Flower Comes as No Surprise’ in 2017. Stamped on staff shirts, Off White seeks her voice as the overturning of Roe V. Wade signals yet another setback, with all proceeds of the t-shirt sale donated to Planned Parenthood. Yet, even when dreaming up new worlds, we must speak about the harsh realities of our present everyday lives.

From the notable, the promising, and the creative connoisseurs behind the curtain, Off-White’s Paris debut had an eminent roster of prominent figures. Among the maestros sat Adul Akech, Erykah Badu, Evan Mock, Halle Bailey, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow, and many others.  

Watch the full show below: