A major European exhibition dedicated to the late designer Virgil Abloh, titled 'Virgil Abloh: The Codes,' is set to open at the Grand Palais in Paris. Running from September 30 to October 10, 2025, the show will explore nearly two decades of Abloh’s career, drawing from his extensive 20,000-object personal archive. This exhibition aims to highlight the recurring creative principles that connected his work across fashion, footwear, architecture, music, and advertising.
The exhibition is organized by the Virgil Abloh Archive™ in partnership with Nike. It represents the first significant European showcase of Abloh's multidisciplinary legacy. The event will offer a comprehensive look into the designer's impact on contemporary culture.
Key Takeaways
- 'Virgil Abloh: The Codes' exhibition opens in Paris.
- It runs from September 30 to October 10, 2025, at the Grand Palais.
- The show covers nearly two decades of Abloh's career.
- It features over 20,000 objects from his personal archive.
- A recreated colette concept store will offer limited-edition items.
Exploring Abloh's Creative Principles
The exhibition focuses on Abloh's creative 'codes' or recurring principles. These principles guided his approach across various fields. Visitors will see how a single design philosophy influenced diverse disciplines. This includes his work in high fashion, sneaker design, and architectural projects.
Music and advertising also formed key parts of Abloh's extensive portfolio. The exhibition aims to show how these different areas were interconnected. It emphasizes his unique ability to bridge artistic and commercial worlds.
Exhibition Facts
- Organizer: Virgil Abloh Archive™ in partnership with Nike.
- Location: Grand Palais, Paris.
- Dates: September 30 – October 10, 2025.
- Curators: Chloe Sultan and Mahfuz Sultan.
- Support: Virgil Abloh Foundation.
According to the organizers, the exhibition is designed to be more than just a display. It is an exploration of a creative mind. The goal is to provide insight into Abloh's working methods and thought processes. This approach reflects his belief in openness and shared learning.
The Colette Store Reactivation
A significant part of the exhibition will be the reactivation of the Paris concept store, colette. Colette was a central platform for Abloh's early work. Co-founded by Sarah Andelman, the iconic store will be recreated inside the Grand Palais. This installation will function as a hybrid space and a working shop.
Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition objects. These items were created in partnership with Abloh. Notable reissues include his collaboration with Braun and a French-language edition of his book, 'Abloh-isms.'
"The exhibition is both a celebration and a teaching tool, a way of ensuring that Virgil Abloh’s ideas remain accessible to future generations."
Shannon Abloh, wife of Virgil Abloh and head of the archive and foundation.
Background on Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh (1980-2021) was an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and DJ. He served as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's wear collection from 2018 until his death. Abloh was also the chief executive officer of the Milan-based label Off-White, a fashion house he founded in 2013. His work often explored the intersection of streetwear, luxury fashion, music, and art, making him a highly influential figure in modern design.
Expanding on a Previous Exhibition
'Virgil Abloh: The Codes' is curated by Chloe Sultan and Mahfuz Sultan. This Paris edition expands on an earlier exhibition presented in 2022. The current show offers a broader view of Abloh’s extensive practice. It includes both well-known projects and lesser-seen materials.
The exhibition will feature prototypes, sketches, and items from Abloh's personal collections and library. This rich array of materials aims to make his methods available for study. It also encourages reuse, aligning with his philosophy of collective learning.
The project receives support from the Virgil Abloh Foundation. A series of public programs will accompany the exhibition. These programs include workshops, dialogues, performances, and screenings. This diverse programming aims to engage a wide audience.
The Legacy of Openness and Learning
Shannon Abloh, Virgil Abloh’s wife, leads both the archive and the foundation. She views the exhibition as a dual purpose event. It serves as both a celebration of his life and a teaching resource. Her aim is to ensure that Virgil Abloh’s innovative ideas continue to inspire future generations.
The exhibition underscores Abloh's belief in open-source creativity. He often emphasized process over final outcomes. This philosophy encouraged others to learn from and build upon his work. The archive plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing these insights.
Visitors can expect to see a wide range of his designs. This includes iconic footwear and unique fashion pieces. The exhibition also highlights his lesser-known contributions to architecture and graphic design. His influence extended across many creative fields, leaving a significant mark.
Abloh's Archive by Numbers
- Total Objects: Approximately 20,000.
- Disciplines Covered: Fashion, footwear, architecture, music, advertising.
- Career Span Surveyed: Nearly 20 years.
The Grand Palais provides a fitting venue for this comprehensive display. Its historic setting offers a contrast to Abloh's modern and often disruptive designs. This juxtaposition highlights the timeless appeal and forward-thinking nature of his work.
The recreated colette store will be a major draw. It offers a nostalgic experience for those familiar with the original concept. For new visitors, it provides a direct connection to a significant part of Abloh's early career development. The limited-edition items will likely attract collectors and fans.
The exhibition is expected to draw a large international audience. It will serve as a testament to Abloh's lasting influence. His impact on culture, design, and fashion continues to resonate globally. The event ensures his creative spirit remains active and accessible.