Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy(LVMH) has sold Off-White LLC to brand management company Bluestar Alliance, marking a significant transition for the luxury fashion brand Virgil Abloh founded in 2012.
Women’s Wear Daily reported that while the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Bluestar CEO Joey Gabbay emphasized the company’s commitment to honoring Abloh’s legacy, fostering innovation, and embracing diversity.
“Virgil was a creative pioneer who had a profound impact on the global fashion industry and creative community,” said Gabbay. “Acquiring Off-White represents a unique opportunity for Bluestar Alliance to honor and build upon the enduring legacy of Virgil Abloh.”
Originally called “PYREX VISION” in 2012, Off-White — Abloh’s first official fashion venture — launched in 2013 and quickly became known for its unique blend of influences and signature designs. The brand was shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2015.
Abloh died of cancer at the age of 41 in 2021. When the deal was announced on Sept. 30, it would have been his 44th birthday.
“His visionary approach to fashion resonates deeply with our core values. Abloh’s ability to fuse street culture with high fashion has laid a powerful foundation that aligns with our vision of fostering innovation while embracing diversity,” Gabbay added. “The acquisition of Off-White, and the opportunity to provide strategic investment and build upon our global network of resources will allow for the continuation of the cultural and creative momentum that Virgil ignited, one that Bluestar Alliance is committed to carrying forward.”
Pharrell Williams succeeded Abloh as the brand’s creative director in 2023, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Abloh was the first Black designer positioned as the company’s creative director.
At the time of Williams’ appointment, LMVH said in a statement that it was drawn to his creative endeavors in music, art, and fashion, which have made him a global icon for more than two decades.
“The way in which he breaks boundaries across the various worlds he explores, aligns with Louis Vuitton’s status as a Cultural Maison, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit, and entrepreneurship,” the statement read, AFROTECH™ reported.
In 2021, LVMH acquired a majority stake in Off-White LLC, planning to increase its ownership to 60% while allowing Abloh to maintain a 40% stake and serve as creative director. At the time, Abloh — who championed Black talent and created a scholarship fund for Black fashion students — was also the artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, a position held since March 2018.
LVMH expressed pride in Off-White’s legacy and expressed confidence in Bluestar Alliance’s ability to uphold the brand’s creative integrity following the sale, per the outlet.
“Bluestar Alliance shares our commitment to respect creative integrity,” LVMH said in a statement, adding that, “we are confident that, under their stewardship, Off-White will continue to innovate while respecting the spirit and values of the brand.“