Written by by Maura Johnston, CNN
Truly innovative, says Jason Bailey, CEO of Jason Bailey, “It’s really only true once you go out and you discover some new thought or some new terminology.” For Bailey, a renowned fashion photographer and commercial photographer, the term “attitude of exhibitionism” perfectly captures the identity of America’s new favorite fashion maven, the uninhibited Virgil Abloh.
The American stylist and designer recently skyrocketed to fame on the strength of his exquisite Off-White collection, but his career began in hip-hop. Abloh began studying photography while living in Paris. Before launching Off-White, he worked for M.I.A. and the rapper Kanye West, learning the craft by working alongside photographer Steven Klein and video director Spike Jonze. His bold style and signature demeanor earned him a coveted position at Louis Vuitton, working alongside Kim Jones and Nicolas Ghesquiere. He now serves as a creative director at Louis Vuitton.
Abloh has created a sizable fan base of followers on social media. His often-mocking commentary on style makes him something of a fashion icon. He’s been particularly vocal about his disdain for luxury clothing, the movement that has so dominated Paris Fashion Week.
The $175 straw hat and $125 high-top sneakers may seem unaffordable for some, but his audience — which includes Anna Wintour and Kim Kardashian West — has paid large sums to be a part of his latest collection. Still, Abloh remains unfazed. “I mean, who’s gonna really buy it?” he told CNN in a February interview, when asked about some of his most costly pieces.
To Bailey, at least, Abloh is preparing to push the boundaries of style. He believes Abloh has achieved that, in part, by making clothes so accessible.
Abloh’s newest pieces are as striking as those he has previously presented. His extreme silhouettes send a fierce message — he wants to continue to have the benefit of the doubt when it comes to appropriating fur and the idea of luxury. Whether a fan of Abloh’s work will be able to purchase his high-end pieces or not, Bailey points out his roster of established clients, which includes Kanye West, Diddy, Pharrell and Rihanna, are all driving fashion innovation.
“They are looking to change the game of style. And they want to do it themselves, which is something that we have lost,” he says. “These shows, I think they’re totally breaking the rules. They are using technologies that most people haven’t even seen. They’re doing things like changing the fabrics so that you’re actually dressing in fabric.”
Bailey hopes Abloh’s fresh approach will add a fresh take to the fashion world. “I mean, it’s crazy and unpredictable. It’s interesting. It’s never really repeated and it keeps breaking the rules in all different ways.”
Watch the video above to learn more about Jason Bailey’s opinions on “vibality.”