Virgil was here. For Fall/Winter 2022, the eighth chapter in Virgil Abloh's arc for Louis Vuitton, his presence was very much felt. He was there in the set design that featured the red roof of a house with a smoking chimney, symbolic of the late designer’s Boyhood Ideology®, his design principle that puts importance on seeing everything through the eyes of a child. He was there in the music, a beautiful soundtrack composed by Tyler, the Creator, in collaboration with DJ Benji B, and brought to life by a full orchestra. And, of course, he was there in the clothes, a runway full of dynamic splashes of color and an interplay of different textures—tulle, patchwork, denim, velour, all worn by models whose cultural heritage is as varied as the collection itself. It is said that Abloh always makes a map and pins each country where his models are from, not merely casting them but making them a true representation of his ideology.

In Abloh’s presentations, there is always an underlying thought that comes with every piece. The blurry monogram bags and distorted Damier bags are in line with the surrealist and illusionist themes. Baseball caps have animal ears to go with the cartoon character motif that were the common theme on shirts and jackets. Even the angel wings are not a mere after thought. It symbolizes the childlike fantasy of flying and celebrates imagination.

Much was expected and anticipated for this show and it did not disappoint. Before the finale, all the models went out, in a seemingly dreamlike state. Looking around, looking for someone—but he is already gone. As the orchestra plays the rising crescendo of the show’s theme song 'See You Again,' Abloh’s entire creative studio team walks the runway to take the final bow in his place.

Amidst hugs and tears and a standing ovation, Virgil was here. He has changed the landscape of luxury fashion and of Louis Vuitton forever. His influence will remain. His design philosophies will continue to be studied. His manifesto will be a reference for a new generation of creatives who will break barriers, just as he did. His last show was all about the most important element of streetwear: “People. When they say ‘streetwear’ they miss the central component, which is that it’s real people; it’s clothes that are worn on the street.”

See the full Louis Vuitton Men's F/W '22 collection in the gallery below!

Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton Philippines

Art by Raff Colmenar

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