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Virgil Abloh

Tags: Fashion Designer, DJ, Entrepreneur, Off-White, Louis Vuitton

Overview​

Virgil Abloh (deceased) was a highly influential fashion designer, architect, DJ, and entrepreneur, known for founding Off-White and serving as artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear.

Relationship to Project/Gary Sheng​

  • Key talent discovered and mentored by John Monopoly.
  • Represents John's eye for talent and ability to connect individuals (e.g., to Kanye West).

Key Details & Insights from 2025-04-26 JM Transcript​

  • John Monopoly credited with discovering Virgil in Chicago around 2006.
  • John met Virgil via his mentor, Jay Boogie. Virgil was interning at Jay Boogie's design studio.
  • John noticed Virgil's talent from work left around the studio.
  • Virgil subsequently interned informally for John Monopoly for ~4 months, working on design projects from John's house.
  • John introduced Virgil to Kanye West when he felt Virgil was ready.
  • John contrasts the method of discovering Virgil (via mentor recommendation and internship) with discovering Kanye (via friend/show).
  • John maintained a supportive, genuine relationship with Virgil, similar to his relationship with Kanye.
  • [[John Monopoly]] (Discoverer, mentor)
  • [[Kanye West]] (Collaborator, friend - introduced by JM)
  • [[Jay Boogie]] (Initial mentor, introduced to JM)
  • [[Don C]] (Collaborator through Kanye West circle)