Virgil Abloh Announces He’s Taking a Break From Fashion

Virgil Abloh is undoubtedly one of the busiest men in fashion. Between running Off-White and designing menswear for Louis Vuitton, as well as the many partnerships and projects he’s involved with off the back of both of those platforms, Abloh is in high demand. However, the designer is officially taking a step back announcing that he’ll be taking a three month break from the industry, effective immediately.

In an interview with Vogue, Abloh said the break comes at the advice of his doctor, following his inability to recover quickly from a recent trip. “I was just tired, so I went to the doctor. Ultimately everything is fine, but the doctor told me ‘this pace that you’ve sort of pushed your body – to fly all these miles, do all these different projects – is not good for your health.’" He added that his doctor had told him not to travel, meaning Abloh will work from his home for the next few months – something he says he’s looking forward to.

“I’m excited to drop the kids off at school and be able to be here for those moments...In high school I always took pride in the award where you didn’t have any sick days [but now] being busy isn’t working. But I’m using this as I do everything else, as a way to propel me forward,” he explained.

The break means he will be a no-show at the upcoming Off-White show during Paris Fashion Week on September 26, however Abloh was quick to point out that his presence is not necessary. “My Off-White team is equipped to handle this, and my Louis Vuitton team is expert-level. The shows will go on.” He explained that he had been anticipating his non-attendance and has therefore designed the show with “an element that replaces my attendance with crowd participation.”

Watch this space.