Virgil Abloh Creates A Pioneering Resource Centre For Young Talent

Virgil Abloh is sharing “the exact notions and tools that [he] used to formulate [his] career” via a new mentorship series, entitled “Free Game.” The step-by-step programme, which includes online lectures and learning tools, is part of the Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton men’s artistic director’s mission to level out the playing field in fashion.

“As part of my longstanding initiative to see design, art and culture more inclusive to young Black designers and those coming from non-traditional backgrounds, I wanted to assist in providing the means for them to advance on the road to ownership of their ideas and brands,” explained Abloh of the new forum on Virgilabloh.com.

Free Game follows in the footsteps of Abloh’s Post Modern Scholarship Fund and, according to the African-American creative, opens doors “for those that come from the fringe and helps them be awarded opportunities usually left for the centre. Ultimately ensuring that the future looks different from the past.”

The educational platform will be updated with insights from the Illinois-born designer and his inner circle, but the most essential tools for young talent can be found in the Resource Centre. Conceived while Abloh was working his way through his most frequently answered questions, the centre is essentially a library listing everything aspiring designers need to know, from “how to name your brand” to “how to shoot a lookbook”. While other funds and mentor schemes offer brilliant advice on the building blocks of business, Abloh’s free-of-charge service gives unprecedented access into the minds of one of fashion’s boundary-breaking creatives.

The pandemic and the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests surrounding the murder of George Floyd has enforced the need for systemic change, beyond the hashtags and donations the industry has been swept up in. “Everyone’s on a race to get back to normal, to a clean image. But this is the critical moment to actually understand,” Abloh told British Vogue earlier this month. “I hope for conversations that are long lasting. But I’m an optimist. I believe the world will be a better place – and it’s great that everyone’s hearts and minds are open. It’s broadened the message about how change needs to happen.” Abloh, as always, is at the forefront of these conversations – and crucially, makes an effort to give everyone a seat at the table.