Fashion Designer And Artist Virgil Abloh Made Me Take A Second Look

There are reasons why Virgil Abloh is my new favorite designer (sorry, Valentino) and why I could not get enough of his"‘Freedom of Speech’ exhibit. My knowledge of Abloh was sparse until this past winter. I knew of his avant-garde and cut sew collections, but had no idea of the other 23 skills sets he’s mastered. From fashion designer to DJ to architect to set designer-- Abloh’s approach is always to help the viewer or consumer read in between the lines. The exhibit leads you on a walking path of subliminal messages encased in advertisements. More importantly, the exhibit illuminates the grave effects it has on black communities. If you thought you were going to see silhouettes upon silhouettes, scarves, belts, thigh high boots, and number 23 tees. Think again. This Abloh exhibit is mostly formed from his use of mixed media. Foam cutouts, painted advertisement boards, and photography create sculptures that describe our unawareness of how fashion deploys us as walking billboards. Well, that’s my conclusion. The most thought provoking reperesentation of the exhibit was the Cotton brand label. Cotton was incorporated in 1970, becoming the first commodity brand with its “Seal of Cotton”.

I cannot help but to be reminded of slavery whenever I see the cotton logo or cotton in it’s natural state. As did a photo of my son taken as he walked under Virgil’s Cotton label plaque. What does Abloh want me to feel when I see this immediately following our viewing of the 16 yellow number markers on the floor symbolizing the location of a crime scene. 16 was the number of shots Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke fired at Laquan McDonald in 2014, killing him. It makes me cringe.

If you had a chance to see for yourself please let me know how it affected you.

I made sure to dress comfortably for this mother and son outing to the High Museum on a rainy day in Atlanta.

Tennis shoes, sneakers, kicks or whatever is your foot-comfy preference are a must. I never know exactly how long I will be in the High Museum, there are so many wonderful and inspiring exhibits to take in. I tend to choose stretchy materials that allow my skin to breathe. Again, go for comfort. Yep, even an elastic waistband equals comfort for me just in case I have to rush to the ladies room.

I found my two piece lycra stretch ruffle jogger and the mid-length coat on Amazon. The color options for the coat are rich and luxurious. I always feel like I am wearing a high end $$$ coat based on the feel of the faux shearling and richness of color. I was tempted to buy this coat in all the colors.