Tumblr brought health goth to the mainstream and New York model-off-duty style to the tiniest towns, but what comes next? Just ask Virgil Abloh, designer, DJ, and Kanye West's creative director, who told the New York Times his clothing line Off-White is intended for the “post-Tumblr” generation.
According to Abloh, this means taking wide-ranging influences, like skate brand Supreme, Renaissance painter Caravaggio, modernist architect Mies van der Rohe, and Martha Stewart (yes, Martha Stewart), then mashing them up into streetwear basics with a twist. The result, as Martha would say, is a good thing.
The most recent Off-White collection contains pleated, asymmetrical skirts, boxy jackets, and backpacks — many of which come stamped with the label's signature diagonal-line motif. Abloh tells the Times that spring 2014 aims to reflect “the era of Tommy Ton street style” and “the age of self-styling.” As he puts it, this high-low mixture is about “girls wearing Céline and their boyfriends' Air Force Ones. My premise is to create a brand that’s immersed in this young fashion customer.”
One could argue that pulling far-flung references together is exactly what Tumblr is all about. And sure, it remains to be seen if "post-Tumblr" will morph into a fashion buzzword of its own. But, judging from Abloh’s success (he’s expanded from menswear into womenswear, accessories and furniture within several months), Off-White is definitely a label to watch…no matter what how you tag it. (The New York Times)
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