If there is one brand in perpetual motion, it is Off-White. In a world where boundaries fade, where genres are reinvented, and where fashion knows no limits, the label founded by the late Virgil Abloh has established itself as a true cultural phenomenon. Much more than just a brand, Off-White is a global conversation between luxury and streetwear, art and fashion, boldness and irony. Each piece from Off-White, whether it be clothing, sneakers, accessories, or bags, is designed as a statement. With its iconic patterns and resolutely modern aesthetic, the brand has managed to transcend generations and speak to a universal community: that of non-conformists, creatives, and all those who want to wear a message along with a garment. Off-White is not just a fashion, it is a language. A way of asserting that rules are not fixed, that they are meant to be rewritten. From the street to the runways, the brand has redefined the codes to inspire in a new way. A look back at its history.
What are the characteristics of Off-White sneakers?
Off-White was founded by Virgil Abloh in 2012. With a desire to merge contemporary influences and elements of haute couture, the brand has established itself as a pillar of luxury streetwear. All Off-White sneakers tell a story, a storytelling crafted by the visionary designer Virgil Abloh. These sneakers, often adorned with the famous diagonal stripe or zigzag patterns, use high-quality materials such as leather and canvas. The models range from low-top sneakers to high-top sneakers, available in classic colors such as black and white, but also in bolder variants. The vulcanized design of Off-White sneakers is a signature of the brand, offering both style and lasting comfort.
What is the story behind the brand and Off-White sneakers?
Originally from Chicago, Virgil Abloh is the embodiment of the American dream. The son of Ghanaian immigrants, he earned degrees in civil engineering and architecture and climbed the ranks of the fashion world. In 2009, he interned at Fendi in Rome. In 2010, he became the creative director of Kanye West's creative agency, Donda. It was in 2012 that he decided to create his brand Pyrex Vision. However, this faced controversies regarding possible counterfeits of Ralph Lauren flannels. Abloh then renamed the company to the now well-known Off-White. His mission: to add a more sophisticated and intellectual aspect to streetwear, which was then considered cheap and not credible. But that's not all. Virgil Abloh's success story does not stop at his clothing line. It extends to sneakers and other fields such as music and art, notably with the artistic direction of the joint musical album by Kanye West and Jay-Z titled "Watch the Throne" in 2011.
Off-White Sneakers: when luxury meets streetwear
With Off-White, Abloh merges street style with luxury, establishing a bridge between the two. With Off-White's first campaign for SS14, he introduced the now recognizable black and white diagonal stripes, which have become representative of the Off-White brand. Off-White sneaker collections often include unexpected details such as innovative lacing systems, eye-catching graphic patterns, and bold color touches. But what truly distinguishes Off-White sneakers is their ability to transcend their utilitarian function. They are not just shoes; they are wearable works of art that tell a story. Virgil Abloh, with his innovative vision, has managed to inject a dose of storytelling into his creations. Each sneaker, whether it be collaborations with Nike, reimagined Converse silhouettes, or signature sneaker models like the "Out of Office", tells a dialogue between pop culture, design history, and the streetwear movement.
Collaborations with the biggest brands
2017 was a busy year for Off-White: in addition to their new collections and editorial campaigns, the brand collaborated with the world's largest sportswear brand: Nike. Together, they created the biggest sneaker event of the year. The collaboration "The Ten" quickly entered the pantheon of sneakers. The collection included Air Jordans, Air Maxes, Hyperdunks, and more. The following year, Off-White collaborated with Jimmy Choo, combining classic elegance with dynamism. Over time, Off-White capitalized on the despair of haute couture to regain the appeal of youth: it became the trendiest brand in the world, surpassing Gucci and Balenciaga. Luxury customers are getting younger, and Abloh understood this well: this marriage of wealth and accessibility is the cornerstone of his business and will enhance the reputation of his brand.
Off-White and Nike, closely linked companies
There is a name almost as synonymous with Nike and the Jordan brand as Michael Jordan himself: Virgil Abloh. It is his work with Nike that earned him a solid reputation among sneakerheads. From Air Max to Nike Dunk, the designer has reinvented some of Nike's most iconic sneaker models. Abloh's collaboration with the brand began in 2017 with the "The Ten" collection: he literally deconstructed ten Nike models. The reinvention of Nike sneakers by Off-White ranged from old iconic pairs in the lineup to new models needing a certain boost. His design philosophy follows what he calls the 3% rule: making minimal changes to enhance the overall design.
A buzz-based strategy
Off-White and Virgil Abloh are both extremely controversial, allowing both to gain free visibility constantly. Diet Prada, a popular Instagram account known for calling out scams in the fashion industry, pointed out that the Off-White logo was almost identical to a 1965 airport design from Glasgow created by a famous British design group. Abloh also stated that it took him 10 minutes to create many of his designs (which are then sold for several thousand euros). His aesthetic interests are simplicity and efficiency, while his business interests could be called economic avant-garde: capitalizing on short-term hype and playing on the irony of situations.
How to choose your Off-White sneakers
How does the brand and Off-White sneakers fit?
The sizing of pieces from the Off-White brand is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing. The late Virgil Abloh, the visionary creator behind this iconic brand, chose to offer clothing that features modern and unique fits.
In general, the brand tends to adopt a rather loose fit for its men's and women's clothing, providing a relaxed silhouette. However, it is crucial to note that sizes may vary from one collection to another, or even from one item to another. For example, the pieces from the collaboration between Off-White and Louis Vuitton may have different fits compared to Off-White's main line. Some items may follow specific size references related to Louis Vuitton, while others conform to Off-White's traditional sizing codes.
Additionally, in the range of accessories, such as belts or leather goods, sizes may vary depending on color and material, which sometimes requires special attention when purchasing. For sneakers, you can take your usual size. For instance, in the The Ten collection, the sneaker sizes conform to those of each brand.
On the Off-White sneakers side, they are known for their precise fit and comfort. The brand offers a variety of sizes for men and women, ensuring that every customer can find the shoe that suits them. In summary, to choose the perfect size, it is recommended to refer to the specific size guides for each item available on the official Off-White website or to consult the size indications provided by authorized retailers for a satisfying shopping experience.
Where to buy Off-White sneakers?
Among the most popular sneakers from the brand, the collaboration between Nike and Off-White is the favorite among shoe addicts. These shoes are in high demand and are only available through reseller sites at quite high prices. It is practically impossible to find one of these pairs on sale. Thanks to WhenToCop?, you can compare the best offers on the market across a wide range of products and enjoy fast and free delivery services.
