VIRGIL IN PARIS

From Paris with love. 

“I’m always trying to prove my 17-year-old self that I can do creative things I thought weren’t possible.” 

It’s been less than 5 months since Virgil Abloh passed away but it feels like more. Abloh, who was just 41, was already a living legend: building bridges and opening doors for the upcoming generations of creatives. It was in 2018 when he joined Louis Vuitton, making history as the first black man to lead the French house’s men’s lines. Through his vision, Virgil was able to take the Maison one step ahead – turning into literally the most wanted name in the industry. 

To honor his legacy, Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France, unveiled “Coming of Age,” on April 13th. The recently inaugurated show, serves as an extension of a group exhibition under the same name that Abloh curated himself back in 2019 in Los Angeles, California. In collaboration with Little Big Man Gallery, the show focused on the concept, diversities and complexities of male youth and boyhood. After Los Angeles, “Coming of Age” visited Paris, Beijing, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Seoul. The show allowed students, artists, and local communities access a DIY “copy center,” to build and recreate their own zines with their favorite artworks from the exhibition. 

This time and back in Paris, “Coming of Age” regroups, reimagines and expands the original first show and its story behind. The show encourages activities and participation while combining physical events with digital activations. “Coming of Age” aims to celebrate diversity and remind people of the importance of unity – two things Virgil stood for. 

“Coming of Age” will be open to the public, free of charge, until April 27 2022. 

For more information, please visit: www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr