Virgil Abloh: Discover the monumental exhibition at the Grand Palais

par Nathan Merchadier.

An exhibition dedicated to Virgil Abloh at the Grand Palais

For fashion aficionados and streetwear enthusiasts alike, the name Virgil Abloh still has a powerful resonance today… Nearly five years after his death in November 2021. The American designer, who passed away at 41 from a rare form of cancer, leaves behind a colossal legacy. His work spans urban culture, fashion, conceptual art, and industrial design.

Trained as an architect and once close to the now-cancelled artist Kanye West – Virgil Abloh was the artistic director of the album Yeezus – the designer founded the label Off-White in 2012. Within a few seasons, it became a flagship name in contemporary streetwear fashion.

In 2018, he made history in fashion by becoming the first Black designer to lead Louis Vuitton’s menswear division as creative director. His debut Spring/Summer 2018 show for Louis Vuitton in the gardens of the Palais-Royal marked a turning point. Streetwear-inspired silhouettes, an inclusive cast and a rainbow of pop references opened a new chapter in men’s fashion.

This exceptional trajectory, marked by formal experimentation and iconic collaborations with Nike, Ikea, and artist Takashi Murakam among others, will be celebrated at the Grand Palais. From September 30th to October 10th, 2025, the exhibition “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” will offer an immersive dive into nearly two decades of creative work. The Virgil Abloh Archive™ in partnership with Nike are the organizers of this major event.

A deep dive into Virgil Abloh’s multidisciplinary legacy

This large-scale event was conceived as an extension of the exhibition of the same name presented in 2022. It is set to be one of the major cultural highlights of fall 2025. More than 20,000 archival items will be on display, including prototypes, sketches, images, personal objects, and a selection of books from Virgil Abloh‘s personal library. A way to decipher the “codes” so dear to the designer. Those transversal design principles were everywhere from his sneakers – the legendary The Ten collaboration with Nike – to the scenography of his shows, art installations, and album covers.

In addition to that, this retrospective was created as a collective manifesto. It will spotlight the designer’s collaborations with other artists, designers, and athletes. Alongside the exhibition, a series of workshops, performances, and screenings will animate the ten-day event.

This celebration also marks a new chapter for the Virgil Abloh Archive™. This initiative was launched by Shannon Abloh, the designer’s widow, to preserve and share his legacy around the world. In short, it represents a must-see event for anyone seeking to understand the impact of a creator who redefined what it means to be a designer in the 21st century.

The exhibition “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” from September 30th to October 10th, 2025, at the Grand Palais, Paris 8th.