Looking at the collection Virgil Abloh produced for Fall/Winter 2020, I feel a strong urge to skip summer altogether and jump into the unknown of the next season, wearing these empowering wardrobe treasures. Halfway between NYC grunge and Parisian nonchalance, the attention-getting looks justify the show’s title “Slightly Off.” Back in February 2020, fashion show attendees started feeling that something was slightly off across the world, yet nobody could imagine that the universe was getting disrupted by a global threat to humanity. Sophisticated and relevant, the show went beyond the streetwear reputation of the brand tapping into designer classics, couture archives, and a philosophical approach to style.
The runway expressed inclusivity through the ‘recruitment’ of models from different eras and backgrounds, including gorgeous Yolanda Hadid, Carolyn Murphy, and other 90s models. The combination of a weather-proof performance jacket by the iconic Canadian Arc’Teryx brand with exaggerated ruffle details and a maxi tulle skirt exudes freedom. Women are ready to fight with the elements in style. I guess that in the era of the pandemic, this will be accessorized with a protective face mask. The cow motif in navy blue is a fresh iteration of a classic.
Circular cut-outs on the hugely popular Jitney bag — called “Meteor” — are an inventive update. Bucket hats are definitely trending, and even better when they match your ensemble. That is almost a 50s-frame-of-mind. Sizeable bags in fluid shapes are your chic accessory on a busy morning. They can host paperwork, gadgets, and even groceries.
Grafitti on your rebellious leather blazer totally fits the current rioting scene. I believe that the high-heel sandals with an open toe curved upwards are more steady while you walk, but I hope they are overall comfy. Asymmetries appear in many looks, as well as chain details. These can be called both retro and avant-garde, due to their strategic or even intuitive placement by the designer. At the same time, the houndstooth motif becomes a nod at timelessness.
The mix of camo pants with baby pink pleated tulle extravaganza makes for a memorable red carpet look. A hybrid silhouette of a roomy trenchcoat and a quilted windbreaker is an investment piece. Chunky jewelry and hardware insist on the edgy aspect of things.
Camisole-inspired dresses get us back to the 90s in a glorious way. These design ideas are seducing for the eclectic fashionista. I want to plunge into these colors, the ‘off’ details, the athleisure hints, the luxuriated versions of street fashion, and all the technical innovations in between. I think that Virgil Abloh’s team of creatives has many more to offer to the fashion industry, including conceptual products and those that can fairly enough be characterized as commercial hits.
Creativity has no limits. I know that many of us who used to be excited about seasonal offerings are currently on pause and in denial. Still, I hope that we maintain our passion for things coming up, and beginning next season, we will all be rocking Virgil’s stunners on an array of occasions. So, can we please skip this season, leave Covid-19 behind, and go to the next?
