This article was updated on September 30th at 2:55pm EST
MILAN – LVMH has sold Off-White LLC, which owns the Off-White brand, to New York-based Blue Star Alliance LLC.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
The late Virgil Abloh founded Off-White in 2012.
“Virgil was a creative pioneer who had a tremendous impact on the global fashion industry and creative community. The acquisition of Off-White is a great opportunity for Bluestar Alliance to honor and build on Virgil Abloh’s enduring legacy. This is a unique opportunity to build upon,” said Joey Gabay, CEO of Blue Star Alliance.
“His visionary approach to fashion resonates deeply with our core values. Abloh’s ability to blend street culture and high fashion is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation while embracing diversity. We have built a strong foundation that aligns with our vision and the cultural and This allows the creative momentum to continue, and Blue Star Alliance is committed to driving it forward.”
Founded in 2006 by Gabay and Ralph Gindi, Blue Star Alliance has a wide range of brands, from Hurley, Scotch & Soda and Bebe to Elie Tahari, Kenzie, Justice, Catherine Malandrino, Nanette Report, English Laundry and Brookstone. It owns, manages and markets a portfolio of consumer brands. , Joan Bass, and Limited too.
In a statement released by LVMH on Monday night, the group said it was “proud of the legacy Off-White has built under the visionary leadership of Virgil Abloh.” Blue Star Alliance is the perfect partner to continue that tradition. Blue Star Alliance shares our commitment to respecting the integrity of creativity, and we are confident that under their stewardship, Off-White will continue to innovate while respecting the brand’s ethos and values. Masu. ”
LVMH purchased a majority stake in Off-White LLC in 2021. As part of that agreement, LVMH would increase its stake in Off-White LLC to 60 percent, and Abloh would retain a 40 percent stake and remain the label’s creative director.
The deal strengthens LVMH’s relationship with Mr. Abloh. Abloh was then the artistic director of menswear collections at Louis Vuitton, a position he held since March 2018.
LVMH previously held a minority stake in the Off-White trademark entity.
Details regarding the future of current art and video director Ibrahim “Ib” Camara have not been disclosed.
Mr. Camara, who was appointed to the post in spring 2022, made his debut at the brand’s first New York fashion show in September. The show was staged at the Waterfront Community Basketball Court in Brooklyn Bridge Park and featured appearances by Flavor Fluff (with special guest Olympic water polo player Ashley Johnson), Camila Cabello, Leon Bridges, Suni Lee, and Lena.・A gorgeous front row crowd including Waithe and Issa gathered. Ray, Arina Sabalenka, Frances Tiafoe, Ayan Bloomfield, Paris Jackson, Zayn Malik, Victoria Monet, Mary J. Blige.
Mr. Kamara replaced Mr. Abloh, who died in 2021 at the age of 41.
Mr. Kamara, one of Mr. Abloh’s closest allies, was born in Sierra Leone, fled to relatives in Gambia during the 11-year civil war, and settled in London at the age of 16.
Kamala is known for her work exploring gender norms, queerness, and black identity, and Abloh brings all of these themes from the sidelines to the center of a luxurious conversation. Born in Rockford, Illinois to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Abloh championed black talent and established a scholarship fund for black fashion students.
Backstage at the Off-White Spring 2025 show at New York Fashion Week.
Lexi Moreland/WWD
Camara has been a part of the Off-White family for many years and has styled the brand’s shows in addition to being the stylist of choice for many other fashion designers, from Riccardo Tisci to Erdem Moralioglu. Before taking the top job at Dazed, he produced editorials for iD, System, Vogue Italia and Another magazine, among others.
Off-White, Abloh’s first official fashion venture, launched online in late 2013 and held its first showroom presentation in Paris the following January, with designs that blend influences ranging from Bauhaus to sports apparel to Caravaggio. announced. Established the visual identity of the brand. Thick diagonal stripes have become synonymous with insider cool.
The late Ghanaian-American designer expanded her brand into womenswear within 18 months of launching it. In 2015, Off-White was shortlisted for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, crystallizing streetwear as a credible challenger to the luxury status quo and strengthening its close relationship with the French group. .
Off-White is licensed to New Guards Group and is led by CEO Cristiano Fagnani. Farfetch acquired New Guards Group, whose brands range from Palm Angels to Aranui, for $675 million in 2019. Coupang took control of Farfetch late last year.
The deal comes during a busy few days for LVMH, which worked with Remo Ruffini on Thursday to increase its stake in Moncler. Stanhope Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to LVMH on the Off-White transaction.
