The Virgil Abloh Archive, a colossal collection of the late designer's life's work, represents a profound testament to his enduring influence and creative foresight. Housed across two undisclosed locations in the Midwest, this meticulously curated repository contains approximately 20,000 diverse artifacts, including clothing, shoes, art, and personal mementos. It serves as a vital resource for understanding Abloh's unique design philosophy and his deliberate commitment to preserving his artistic journey. His widow, Shannon Abloh, spearheaded the monumental three-year endeavor to compile this archive, aiming to provide future generations with an intimate look into his innovative mind and boundless curiosity.

This September marks a significant milestone with the public unveiling of “Virgil Abloh: The Codes,” an exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. Curated by Mahfuz and Chloe Sultan, this inaugural showcase will offer a glimpse into the depth and breadth of Abloh’s prolific output, emphasizing his vision not only as a creator but also as a meticulous archivist of his own evolving practice.

The Genesis of a Grand Collection

The Virgil Abloh Archive is an extraordinary compilation, housing an estimated 20,000 pieces ranging from fashion garments and footwear to detailed documents and personal memorabilia. This extensive collection, carefully assembled over three years, is secured in two distinct, covert facilities located in the Midwest. It offers a unique window into the creative evolution of Virgil Abloh, a designer who, even in his early career, demonstrated a keen awareness of the importance of preserving his work. His college notebooks and architectural portfolios, for instance, were consciously set aside, anticipating their future historical significance. This deliberate act of preservation underscores Abloh's inherent tendency to think and work archivally, a characteristic that defined his creative trajectory. The sheer volume and diversity of the archive highlight the prolific nature of his output and his meticulous attention to detail, where every item, regardless of its apparent importance, was deemed worthy of retention.

Abloh's methodical approach to archiving extended beyond his own creations; he also collected extensively from designers he admired, accumulating pieces that held personal or inspirational value. For example, he amassed a significant collection of Raf Simons coats, many of which still bore their original tags, having been acquired more for their artistic merit than for personal use. This practice of collecting, coupled with his iterative design process, meant that nothing was discarded—from preliminary sketches and prototypes to finished products. His former chief of staff, Athiththan Selvendran, emphasized that every element, no matter how small, was considered vital to understanding Abloh’s creative journey. This comprehensive approach to documentation means that the archive is not merely a collection of finished works but a dynamic chronicle of his intellectual and artistic exploration, offering unparalleled insights into the mind of one of fashion's most impactful figures. It also reveals his intent for the archive to eventually serve as an educational and inspirational resource, a 'museological' space where his ideas could continue to resonate and inspire. His own words, "everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself," encapsulate his desire for the archive to empower future generations to build upon his contributions and forge their own paths.

The Enduring Vision and Public Debut

Following Virgil Abloh’s passing in 2021, his wife, Shannon Abloh, took on the immense task of centralizing his global legacy, initiating a comprehensive effort to bring together his vast body of work. She articulated her motivation for creating the Virgil Abloh Archive (VAA) as a means to share not only his designs but also his inherent spirit, methodologies, and profound humanity with the world. The scope of this undertaking was monumental; for instance, the contents of his Paris office alone required seven shipping containers for transport, underscoring the sheer volume of his creative output and personal effects. During a three-day immersion into the archive, the sheer fluidity of Abloh’s ideas became apparent. Instances like examining conceptual Nike x Prada sneaker mock-ups and reviewing his early Louis Vuitton collection sketches, jotted on loose-leaf paper prior to his official appointment, offered compelling evidence of his relentless innovation and prolific sketching habits, even for ideas seemingly far-fetched at the time.

Beyond the celebrated designs, the archive also holds poignant everyday items: economy-class airline tickets, all-access laminates, and even damaged iPhones. These seemingly mundane objects offer an intimate portrayal of Abloh's ascent in the fashion world, reflecting the journey of a man who diligently preserved every step of his remarkable career. The collection even includes items that hint at unfulfilled projects, such as a sturdy pair of silver scissors he had envisioned creating with artist Sterling Ruby, adding a layer of wistful contemplation to his premature departure. Collaborator Mahfuz Sultan speculates that Abloh himself was planning a public presentation of his archive, having designed various display cabinets and vitrines for a museological purpose. With this in mind, Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS), under Shannon Abloh's guidance, aims to eventually make the archive accessible to the public, ensuring his legacy continues to foster creativity and innovation. The forthcoming exhibition, 'Virgil Abloh: The Codes,' curated by Mahfuz and Chloe Sultan at the Grand Palais in Paris this September, represents the VAA's initial public offering, designed to inspire future creatives by showcasing Abloh's extraordinary vision and vast collection.