Last Tuesday, Virgil Abloh’s fashion house Off-White debuted its Spring/Summer 2021 collection through an international digital platform called “Imaginary TV.” Designed specially for the presentation, “Imaginary TV” offers an interactive experience with multiple channels and networks—like a television—featuring happenings like performances and a virtual landscape, in addition to a preview of the collection.
“The idea of ‘Imaginary TV’ stems from a modern poetic vision for, and of, the evermore virtual world,” said Abloh. “It takes a universal and all-inclusive approach. I want to connect and generate a global network, and bring together creativity while catalyzing a range of emotions.”
Courtesy of Off-White.
Accessible through a smartphone or computer, the “Imaginary TV” network greets visitors with a digital collage of images and videos, along with an omnipresent navigation box, which lists programming by channels. Through selecting channel 1, participants are taken to a virtual runway presentation where the Spring/Summer 2021 designs are introduced, one by one, in a hybrid landscape featuring elements from nature alongside industrial settings.
Titled “Adam is Eve,” Abloh’s latest designs pose liquidity between men and womenswear that suggests that any garment can be worn by any person. Suiting takes a prominent spot in the upcoming season, reconceptualized through elements like dresses worn over jackets, intriguing lines (like a bomber with a curvy front closure), and imaginative takes on classic garments—like a long pants-and-skirt crossover, knee-length sweaters, and a pair of trousers with open seams that tied up the sides.
Courtesy of Off-White.
Looks were seen on a mix of male and female models and styled with an attitude of elevated everyday or business wear. Highlights included a t-shirt and blazer paired with bright yellow pants; a pale green suit with a matching face covering and metallic trench coat; and a pair of softly flared trousers worn with a layering of a fitted flannel and ruched halter top.
“I wanted to capture what it is to be human at this very moment. Conundrum is OK, glitches are OK, duality is OK, and a dissolution of norms is OK,” stated Abloh.
Visitors on “Imaginary TV” should also look for special product highlights like a collaboration with Air Jordan, the new Out-of-Office sneaker, athletic wear, and the launch of The Burrow shoulder bag.
Courtesy of Off-White.
