Off-White is back in New York City, a locale it considers a core influence.
“I think New York is a boiling pot of multiculturalism and community. Which is the core of Off-White, it’s supposed to be for everybody,” Ib Kamara said at a preview.
His show notes elaborated, stating, “There is no better place than New York City to highlight how central the influence of Black culture has been in the shaping of pop culture as we know it. Disco, hip hop, graffiti, and what is today known as streetwear all flourished in the cradle created by African creatives who chose the city as their playground.”
Inviting guests to the roof of the Lower East Sides’ New Design High School— and a mix of students— and commissioning local graffiti artists to tag the space in the theme of the five boroughs, creative director Kamara fully embraced all the city has to offer. “It’s sexy, it’s romantic, it’s American, it’s street,” he said of his work.
Kamara called the collection “A Fountain of Youth” and from the looks on the runway his customer wants color, maximalism and, most importantly, to fully express their individualism. “They don’t want to look like anyone else,” he said.
Denim with Swarovski crystals, color blocked leggings, prints on fluid separates, body con body suits in saturated pastels, air brushed leather varsity jackets — one for the New York Liberty, whose mascot Ellie sat front row, just down from Mary J. Blige and Ciara and a few “Love Islanders.”
For the boys, there was a mix of boxy tailoring, athleticism with track jackets and motorcycle jackets; crystallized denim; graphic tees, a few a collaboration with Brigade, and a new range of covetable sneakers, including a new flatter bowling style and some classic logo bearing performance styles.
“It’s a good marriage between my background and Off-White,” Kamara said of the collection. “In reconnecting to the roots of Black culture in the city, a leap forward happens, putting romance where pop is.”
Founder Virgil Abloh envisioned a brand for everyone, and Kamara is carrying it forward with joy, maintaining the mission.